Design and evaluation of magnetic field strength detection devices for millimeter-sized planar square inductors based on a mutual coupling model

Micro-magnetic stimulation is a research hotspot in the field of neuromodulation. However, it is difficult to measure the weak magnetic field produced by a millimeter-sized inductor. In this study, a mutual inductance model considering different positions and sizes was established for a common planar square spiral coil micro-magnetic stimulator. A physical model was simulated using the Comsol finite element method to verify the accuracy of the mutual inductance model. A weak magnetic field detection system was constructed using the TI AD8130 and NE5532 chips, and the magnetic field strengths of excitation micro-coils sized 3.612 × 3.612 and 5.55 × 5.55 mm2 were measured. The results show that when the size ratio of the detection coil (DC) to the excitation coil (EC) is under a specific ratio (DC:EC = 1:1, 2:1, 1.53:1,2.36:1), the measurement range of the magnetic field strength is in the range 0–3.06 mT with an error of 0.05 mT, and the frequency is in the range 1–120 kHz. The measurement accuracy rate reaches 97.62%. The results of this study have potential application in the measurement of the weak magnetic field.