​​​ Abstract: In this article we describe the development of an energy-harvesting device based on the Wiegand effect. Wiegand sensors generate voltage pulses in a pickup coil when subject to an external magnetic field due to fast magnetization reversal known as large Barkhausen jump. Theses sensors are used in different applications like position sensors or multi-turn rotary encoders. Standard Wiegand sensors generate about 100 nJ – 150 nJ output energy per pulse, sufficient to supply dedicated small electric circuits. In this article we present a novel sensor based on the Wiegand effect to enable significantly higher output energies. The sensor design is optimized with regard to coil parameters and number of wires within the sensor. Measurements reveal the output characteristics of the output voltage as well as the energy that is supplied to an external circuit. The maximum output energy of about 9 μJ per sensor can be used to drive electric circuits and to realize new energy harvesting applications, e.g., for wireless data transfer.

Keywords: Wiegand sensor, Energy harvesting, Magnetic microwire, Sensor design, Large Barkhausen jump.

_________________________________________________________________________________________