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15 Glossary of Terms
Hysteresis: Hysteresis refers to the difference between two points
of interest for a particular device. For digital sensors and switches, it
represents the difference between the operate sensitivity and the
release sensitivity, expressed either as an absolute value (BOP – BRP) or
the % difference (BOP – BRP)/BOP. For an analog sensor, the hysteresis is
the difference between the “magnet approach curve” and the “magnet
recede curve.”
Magnet Approach Curve: The magnet approach curve is the char-
acteristic change in resistance of an analog TMR sensor as an applied
magnetic field approaches the sensor, typically plotted as a function of
the magnetic field strength.
Magnet Recede Curve: The magnet recede curve is the characteris-
tic change in resistance of an analog TMR sensor as an applied mag-
netic field recedes from the sensor, typically plotted as a function of the
magnetic field strength.
Magnetoresistance: Magnetoresistance is a phenomenon wherein
the electrical resistance of certain materials changes when exposed to
an externally-applied magnetic field.
Magnetic Transfer Curve: The magnetic transfer curve defines the
characteristic behavior of an analog TMR sensor by combining both the
magnet approach curve and the magnet receive curve together.
Magnetic Tunnel Junction: A magnetic tunnel junction is a thin
film structure consisting of two magnetic layers separated by a thin
insulator. Because the insulating layer is thin enough (typically a few
nanometers), electrons can tunnel from one magnetic layer into the
other.
Operate Sensitivity: The operate sensitivity defines the upper limit
of the strength of an applied magnetic field that a digital TMR sensor or
switch must operate.
Operate Time: The operate time is the difference, in time, between
the application of a magnetic field and the output response of the de-
vice. In an analog sensor, the response is a change in output resistance.
In a digital sensor, the response is a change in state of the electrical
output.
Release Sensitivity: The release sensitivity defines the lower limit
of the strength of an applied magnetic field that a digital TMR sensor or
switch must release.
Release Time: The release time is the difference, in time, between
the removal of an applied magnetic field and the output response of
the device. In an analog sensor, the response is a change in output
resistance. In a digital sensor, the response is a change in state of the
electrical output.
Tunnel Magnetoresistance (TMR): Tunnel Magnetoresistance is
the magnetoresistive effect that occurs in a magnetic tunnel junction.
REDROCK™ RR120 TMR SERIES TECHNICAL & APPLICATION NOTES