Magnetic Sensors for Magnetic Communication: A Comparison Between Giant Magneto-Impedance (GMI) and Induction-Based Sensors

This article presents a comparison between a digital high-sensitivity magneto-impedance giant magneto-impedance (GMI) sensor and typical induction-based magnetic sensors designed for magnetic communication. The system architecture of the GMI sensor is presented. Two configurations of induction sensors are considered and compared with the GMI sensor. The chosen performance indicators are the size of the sensing element, the working frequency of the magnetic communication system, the sensitivity, and the equivalent magnetic noise spectral density (EMNSD). Furthermore, with a given transmitter, the allowed transmission range is calculated and compared. The calculation and measurement results indicate that the GMI sensor, given its potential for improvement, could be more competitive in measuring low-frequency magnetic fields (involved in magnetic communication), especially in situations where the small size and weight of the receiver are of importance.