Integrated magnetic field sensor-controlled switch devices

Abstract

Embodiments relate to integrated magnetic field sensor-controlled switch devices, such as transistors, current sources, and power switches, among others. In an embodiment, a magnetic switch and a load switch are integrated in a single integrated circuit device. In embodiments, the magnetic switch is configured to sense a dynamic change in magnetic field caused by movement of a magnet in at least one of a linear, three-dimensional, and rotational direction.

1 . A method, comprising:
 sensing a dynamic change in a magnetic field by a sensor disposed in an integrated circuit package comprising an input and an output, wherein the magnetic field represents movement of a magnet in at least one of a linear, three-dimensional, and rotational direction;   sending a signal related to the sensed dynamic change in the magnetic field by the sensor to a load switch disposed in the integrated circuit package; and   selectively switching, by the load switch and according to the signal from the sensor, a load external to the integrated circuit package and coupled to the output.   
     
     
         2 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein the magnet is a unipolar magnet, and the sensor is configured to sense the dynamic change in the magnetic field caused by the movement of the unipolar magnet in at least one of the linear and three-dimensional directions. 
     
     
         3 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein the magnet is a bipolar magnet, and the sensor is configured to sense the dynamic change in the magnetic field caused by the movement of the bipolar magnet in the rotational direction. 
     
     
         4 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein the load comprises a light, and the selectively switching is selectively switching at least one of an intensity and a wavelength of the light. 
     
     
         5 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein the load comprises an electric motor, and the selectively switching is selectively switching at least one of a speed and a torque of the electric motor. 
     
     
         6 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein sending a signal further comprises sending a signal related to the magnetic field by the sensor to a microcontroller. 
     
     
         7 . A method, comprising:
 sensing, by magnetic switch circuitry comprising a magnetic sensor, a dynamic change in a magnetic field caused by movement of a magnet in at least one of a linear, three-dimensional, and rotational directions;   driving, by a power transistor coupled to the magnetic switch circuitry, an external load, wherein an integrated circuit package comprises the magnetic switch circuitry, the power transistor, and an output to couple the integrated circuit package to the external load; and   sending in parallel, by the magnetic switch circuitry, a logic signal to an external microcontroller and a load-control signal to the power transistor, in response to the dynamic change in the magnetic field.   
     
     
         8 . The method of  claim 7 , further comprising:
 sensing, by the magnetic sensor, the dynamic change in the magnetic field caused by the movement of the magnet in at least one of the linear and three-dimensional directions, wherein the magnet is a unipolar magnet.   
     
     
         9 . The method of  claim 7 , further comprising:
 sensing, by the magnetic sensor, the dynamic change in the magnetic field caused by the movement of the bipolar magnet in the rotational direction, wherein the magnet is a bipolar magnet.   
     
     
         10 . The method of  claim 7 , wherein the external load comprises a light. 
     
     
         11 . The method of  claim 10 , further comprising:
 controlling, by the power transistor, an intensity of the light.   
     
     
         12 . The method of  claim 10 , further comprising:
 controlling, by the power transistor, a wavelength of the light.   
     
     
         13 . The method of  claim 10 ,
 wherein the external load comprises a plurality of lights, and   the method further comprises controlling, by the power transistor, a distribution of the plurality of lights.   
     
     
         14 . The method of  claim 7 , wherein the external load comprises an electric motor. 
     
     
         15 . The method of  claim 14 , further comprising:
 controlling, by the power transistor, a speed of the electric motor.   
     
     
         16 . The method of  claim 14 , further comprising:
 controlling, by the power transistor, a torque of the electric motor.   
     
     
         17 . The method of  claim 14 , further comprising:
 controlling, by the power transistor, a state of the external load in a range anywhere between no load and full load.   
     
     
         18 . The method of  claim 7 , wherein a pull-up resistor is coupled to the magnetic switch circuitry. 
     
     
         19 . The method of  claim 7 , wherein the magnetic sensor comprises a magnetic field sensor element selected from the group of magnetic field sensor elements consisting of a Hall-effect element, a magnetoresistive sensor element, a differential sensor element, a magnetodiode element, a magnetotransistor element, and a magnetic field-sensitive MOSFET element. 
     
     
         20 . The method of  claim 7 , wherein the magnetic switch circuitry and the power transistor are formed on a die.