Optimization of Fluxgate Sensor Performance using Firefly Optimization Algorithm to Reduce Noise Level

The aim of optimizing a fluxgate sensor for high performance is to obtain the overall dimensions of the sensor magnetic core based on the given specification using the available materials economically to achieve lower noise level at both reduced weight and size. A fluxgate sensor design optimization method is employed by using a firefly algorithm to design a high-performance fluxgate sensor that meets the specification of minimum noise level at reduced weight and size of the sensor. The application of the methodology employed demonstrated the effectiveness and practicality of the firefly algorithm technique in resolving the fluxgate optimization problem to achieve good sensitivity and lower noise of the sensor. The simulation results of the optimized sensor achieved a noise reduction of 36.49% , that is, 3.465 pT/√Hz was registered as compared to 5.4562 pT/√Hz of the highest field noise solution at 1 Hz in the range of ±75μT after optimization using a firefly optimization algorithm.