How does a calibrated Hall Probe work?

  • Context: Undergrad 
  • Thread starter Thread starter Yoriko
  • Start date Start date
  • Tags Tags
    Probe Work
Click For Summary

Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the functioning and application of calibrated Hall probes for measuring magnetic field strength (B) in relation to distance (x) from the center of a coil. Participants explore the setup required for direct readings and the calibration of Hall probes.

Discussion Character

  • Technical explanation
  • Exploratory
  • Homework-related

Main Points Raised

  • One participant seeks guidance on how to connect a calibrated Hall probe to obtain direct readings of magnetic field strength.
  • Another participant explains that linear Hall Effect probes often resemble a Wheatstone bridge and require a regulated voltage input, with differential output voltage proportional to the magnetic field strength.
  • It is noted that Hall probes typically have a calibration accuracy of about ±20% unless specifically hand-calibrated.
  • Some participants suggest that the Hall probe should be connected to a Gauss meter for obtaining direct readings of magnetic field strength.
  • There is mention of alternative sensors available from manufacturers like AllegroMicro, which can be read with a standard digital voltmeter.
  • One participant proposes creating a small electromagnet for better absolute calibration if needed.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants generally agree that the Hall probe needs to be connected to a meter for accurate readings, but there are varying levels of understanding regarding the specifics of the setup and calibration methods. No consensus on the best approach or equipment is reached.

Contextual Notes

Some participants express confusion regarding the technical details, indicating a potential gap in foundational knowledge about Hall probes and their operation.

Yoriko
Messages
9
Reaction score
0
I'm supposed to plan an experiment using a calibrated hall probe to investigate the relationship between Magnetic field strength (B) of a coil and the distance (x) from the centre of the coil.

I'm supposed to be able to take direct readings from the calibrated hall probe to calculate B, but how to? Is the hall probe supposed to be connected to something else?
 
Last edited:
Physics news on Phys.org
There are several implementations of the linear Hall Effect probes used for magnetic field measurement. The simplest architecture is similar to a Wheatstone bridge, with two terminals for applied voltage, and two for a differential voltage output (floating outputs). The applied dc input voltage should be a regulated voltage, usually 5V or 6V. Use a 7805 or 7806 IC regulator if necessary.The differential output voltage is usually about 0.2 mV per Gauss to 2 mV per Gauss, with an output impedance of several k-ohms. The output voltage usually has a temperature coefficient. These are 4-terminal probes. Use a floating digital voltmeter (battery operated is best) with 1 mV or better resolution, and a 10 meg input impedance.

Some linear probes have a built-in differential amplifier (with some voltage gain) with temperature compensation. These are usually 3-terminal probes, with the output voltage measured with respect to the negative input voltage terminal. For a 6V input probe, the output voltage for zero Gauss is 3V.

Unlike some other probes, like proton nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR), the Hall Effect probes are usually only about ±20% calibration, unless specifically hand-calibrated.

Bob S
 
Bob S said:
There are several implementations of the linear Hall Effect probes used for magnetic field measurement. The simplest architecture is similar to a Wheatstone bridge, with two terminals for applied voltage, and two for a differential voltage output (floating outputs). The applied dc input voltage should be a regulated voltage, usually 5V or 6V. Use a 7805 or 7806 IC regulator if necessary.The differential output voltage is usually about 0.2 mV per Gauss to 2 mV per Gauss, with an output impedance of several k-ohms. The output voltage usually has a temperature coefficient. These are 4-terminal probes. Use a floating digital voltmeter (battery operated is best) with 1 mV or better resolution, and a 10 meg input impedance.

Some linear probes have a built-in differential amplifier (with some voltage gain) with temperature compensation. These are usually 3-terminal probes, with the output voltage measured with respect to the negative input voltage terminal. For a 6V input probe, the output voltage for zero Gauss is 3V.

Unlike some other probes, like proton nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR), the Hall Effect probes are usually only about ±20% calibration, unless specifically hand-calibrated.

Bob S

:confused: Hm I'm not taking so high level physics yet so I don't really understand. So basically the hall probe is connected to a Gauss meter so direct readings of magnetic field strength can be obtained?
 
Yoriko said:
I'm supposed to plan an experiment using a calibrated hall probe to investigate the relationship between Magnetic field strength (B) of a coil and the distance (x) from the centre of the coil.

I'm supposed to be able to take direct readings from the calibrated hall probe to calculate B, but how to? Is the hall probe supposed to be connected to something else?

It needs to be connected to a meter. Most probes are calibrated to match a given meter.

for instance:

http://www.lakeshore.com/mag/ga/gm410po.html
 
Last edited by a moderator:
MagnetDave said:
It needs to be connected to a meter. Most probes are calibrated to match a given meter.

for instance:

http://www.lakeshore.com/mag/ga/gm410po.html

Ok thanks! :smile:
 
Last edited by a moderator:
Yoriko said:
:confused: Hm I'm not taking so high level physics yet so I don't really understand. So basically the hall probe is connected to a Gauss meter so direct readings of magnetic field strength can be obtained?
You could get one of these sensors from AllegroMicro (sometimes available as a free sample) and read it out with a standard digital voltmeter:

http://www.allegromicro.com/en/Products/Part_Numbers/1301/1301.pdf

If you need an absolute calibration better than than the standard specification, make a small electromagnet and do it yourself.

Bob S
 

Similar threads

  • · Replies 13 ·
Replies
13
Views
3K
  • · Replies 0 ·
Replies
0
Views
1K
Replies
2
Views
2K
  • · Replies 7 ·
Replies
7
Views
2K
  • · Replies 14 ·
Replies
14
Views
2K
Replies
2
Views
3K
  • · Replies 37 ·
2
Replies
37
Views
5K
  • · Replies 8 ·
Replies
8
Views
6K
  • · Replies 16 ·
Replies
16
Views
2K
  • · Replies 9 ·
Replies
9
Views
2K