The Wiegand Effect and Its Automotive Applications

The Wiegand Effect is a new magnetic phenomenon occurring in a specially work-hardened small diameter ferro-magnetic wire. When subjected to an appropriate magnetic field, a sudden, very rapid flux change occurs. A substantial voltage pulse may be induced in a sensing coil wound around the Wiegand wire, or in its proximity. No electrical input is required, and with the appropriate excitation the pulse is essentially independent of the rate of flux change of the externally applied field. The characteristics of the Wiegand Effect are of interest in a number of automotive applications.