Magnetometer having a dynamically adjustable bias setting and electronic vehicle compass incorporating the same

Abstract From the Canadian patent

A magnetometer includes at least one sensor (10) for sensing a magnetic field component, a biasing circuit (6), and a processor (1). The sensor (10) generates an output signal having a signal characteristic that varies in response to the sensed magnetic field component and in response to an applied bias. The biasing circuit (6) dynamically biases the sensor (10) in response to a bias setting signal. The processor (1) is coupled to receive the output signal from the sensor (10) and coupled to the biasing circuit (6). The processor (1) is operable to generate the bias setting signal (3) and thereby control the biasing circuit (6) to dynamically bias the sensor such that the signal …