John R. Wiegand facts for kids
John Richard Wiegand was a smart inventor from Germany, born in 1912. He discovered something really cool called the Wiegand effect. This is a special way that a unique wire, known as a "Wiegand wire," can create tiny magnetic fields.
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What is the Wiegand Effect?
The Wiegand effect is a natural event where a special wire makes magnetic pulses. Imagine a wire that can suddenly change its magnetic direction. When this happens, it creates a small burst of magnetism. This burst can be detected by other devices.
How Does a Wiegand Wire Work?
A Wiegand wire is made in a special way. It has two main magnetic areas, or "domains." When the wire is exposed to a changing magnetic field, these domains flip very quickly. This quick flip creates a strong, short magnetic pulse. It's like a tiny, silent click of magnetism.
What is a Wiegand Reader?
To use the Wiegand effect, you need a "Wiegand reader." This device is designed to sense the magnetic pulses. When a Wiegand wire, often hidden inside a plastic card, passes by the reader, the reader picks up these magnetic signals. These signals can then be turned into information.
What is a Wiegand Interface?
Once a Wiegand reader detects a magnetic pulse, it needs to send that information somewhere. That's where the Wiegand interface comes in. This is a common way to send the data from the reader to a computer or another system. It's like a special language that the reader and the computer both understand.
Early Ideas for the Wiegand Effect
When John Wiegand first discovered this effect, people thought it would be great for car engines. They believed it could make car ignition systems work much better. An ignition system is what helps start a car's engine.
Why Did It Change?
However, new technology came along. Electronic ignition systems became popular. These new systems worked differently and were very efficient. Because of this, the Wiegand effect wasn't used as much for car engines. But it found other important uses in different areas!
