Auniontech FVM400 Triaxial Vector Handheld Fluxgate Magnetometer

Overview

The Auniontech FVM400 Triaxial Vector Handheld Fluxgate Magnetometer is a precision metrology-grade instrument engineered for high-fidelity, real-time measurement of static and quasi-static magnetic fields in three orthogonal spatial components. Based on core fluxgate sensor technology—where a highly permeable ferromagnetic core is driven into saturation by an AC excitation field—the FVM400 detects minute changes in magnetic induction through second-harmonic voltage demodulation. This principle delivers exceptional linearity, low noise floor, and long-term stability without requiring cryogenic cooling or complex biasing circuits. The compact 1″ × 1″ × 4″ probe enables deployment in confined geometries, while the 30-meter (100 ft) shielded cable separation between probe and handheld electronics ensures minimal thermal and electromagnetic coupling during sensitive measurements. Designed for traceable field metrology, the FVM400 provides absolute vector field values referenced to the International System of Units (SI) via NIST-traceable calibration certificates included with each unit.

Key Features

• Triaxial vector resolution down to 1 nT (0.01 mG) across full ±100,000 nT range
• NIST-traceable basic accuracy of ±0.25% of reading + 5 nT for Bₓ, Bᵧ, B_z components
• Real-time dual-mode display: Cartesian (Bₓ, Bᵧ, B_z) and polar (|B|, α, β), where α = azimuthal angle in XY-plane, β = inclination from XY-plane
• User-selectable field units: nT, µT, mT, or mG; configurable coordinate system and absolute/relative reference modes
• Three analog outputs per axis (6 total), programmable gain (1×–128×), ±2.5 V range, 12-bit DAC resolution
• On-device data storage in three modes: snapshot (7.5 s buffer), continuous logging (30 s), and manual trigger
• RS-232 serial interface for remote command-and-control, real-time data streaming, and firmware updates
• Integrated temperature compensation and zero-field drift correction algorithm validated at 25°C ± 5°C

Sample Compatibility & Compliance

The FVM400 is optimized for non-invasive, contactless characterization of DC and low-frequency (<10 Hz) magnetic fields generated by permanent magnets, electromagnets, magnetic shielding enclosures, electronic assemblies, and geophysical survey targets. Its probe geometry permits insertion into apertures ≥1 inch in diameter, making it suitable for mapping fields inside MRI bore tubes, magnetically shielded rooms (MSRs), and aerospace avionics bays. The instrument complies with ISO/IEC 17025 requirements for calibration laboratories and supports GLP/GMP documentation workflows through FM300 software’s timestamped audit logs, user authentication, and electronic signature capabilities. All calibration data—including sensitivity coefficients, offset corrections, and temperature coefficients—is stored in EEPROM and exportable as CSV or XML for third-party validation against ASTM E2282 (Standard Guide for Determining Uncertainty in Physical Measurements) or IEC 61000-4-8 (magnetic field immunity testing).

Software & Data Management

The FVM400 operates exclusively with the FM300 software suite, comprising two interoperable modules: FM300 Front Panel and FM300 Network Server. The Front Panel application provides local GUI-based control over all instrument parameters—including range selection, averaging time, output scaling, and coordinate transformation—alongside real-time bar-graph visualization and live waveform plotting. Collected data can be exported directly to .txt or .csv formats compatible with MATLAB, Python (NumPy/Pandas), or Excel for post-processing. The FM300 Network Server extends functionality to networked environments: it enables continuous background logging to timestamped binary files, HTTP-based data publishing for multi-user access via web browsers, and secure remote control using TCP/IP over Ethernet (via optional RS-232-to-Ethernet bridge). Both modules embed full audit trail metadata (user ID, timestamp, parameter change history) satisfying FDA 21 CFR Part 11 requirements for electronic records and signatures in regulated industries.

Applications

• Magnetic field mapping and gradient profiling in magnet design, quality assurance, and failure analysis
• Shielding effectiveness verification of mu-metal enclosures, Faraday cages, and MRI RF rooms
• Calibration reference standard for secondary magnetometers (Hall-effect, AMR, GMR sensors)
• Geomagnetic monitoring for space weather research and underground utility detection
• Non-destructive evaluation (NDE) of ferromagnetic material integrity via stray field anomalies
• Characterization of magnetic moment and dipole orientation in small-scale permanent magnets
• Environmental magnetic noise assessment in cleanrooms, semiconductor fabs, and quantum computing labs

FAQ

What is the maximum recommended cable length between probe and electronics?
The FVM400 supports up to 30 meters (100 ft) of shielded twisted-pair cable without signal degradation or increased noise floor.
Does the FVM400 require periodic recalibration?
Yes—annual recalibration is recommended to maintain NIST-traceable accuracy; Auniontech offers certified recalibration services with full uncertainty budget reporting.
Can the FM300 software run on Linux or macOS?
FM300 Front Panel and Network Server are Windows-native applications (Windows 10/11, 64-bit); cross-platform operation requires virtualization or Wine compatibility layer.
Is the analog output galvanically isolated?
No—the analog outputs share common ground with the device chassis; external isolation amplifiers are recommended for high-noise industrial environments.
How is zero-field offset characterized and corrected?
Zero-field correction is performed automatically during power-up using internal reference coils and verified against ambient field nulling; residual offset remains ≤20 nT under specified thermal conditions.