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In this article, we present research, development, calibration, and characterization of a novel concept of a digitally compensated, low-noise magnetometer based on anisotropic magnetoresistance sensors that is suitable for space applications. The main idea of the design was to reduce the number of precise analog components while using the digital signal processing power available in a modern microcontroller. Our most recent effort targeted lowering power consumption, enhancement of radiation hardness, and overall improvement of the parameters. The principle of operation is presented in detail, along with a detailed description of the instrumentation used to characterize the real instrument, including its noise, linearity, and temperature stability in the range of −20 °C to +70°C. The results of total ionizing dose (TID) testing at a gamma-ray irradiation facility are discussed at the complete magnetometer and part levels. This is an extended version of an article presented at I2MTC 2020 that contains the results of a second radiation test done with a slightly modified design. The instrument worked well throughout the entire irradiation session (TID of 1.05 kGy over 72 h), and the stability of main parameters was very good (50 pT/Gy offset and 1 ppm/Gy sensitivity stability). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Vector feedback is a concept which can significantly improve linearity and stability of a magnetic field sensor. The feedback coils effectively cancel the measured magnetic field in the inner volume of the triaxial sensor. Thus, in case of fluxgates, it suppresses one possible source of nonlinearity—cross-field sensitivity error. The triaxial sensor axes orthogonality should be primarily defined by the orientation of the feedback coils, while the sensitivities are defined by feedback coil constants. The influence of the homogeneity of the feedback field and the influence of the sensor inner layout on calibration parameters of a vectorially compensated triaxial fluxgate magnetometer are presented. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]