Triaxis Hall Sensor Detects Magnet Movements for Non-Contact Interface Design

The MLX90333 monolithic sensor IC features Triaxis™ Hall technology to measure flux density in three planes.

Conventional planar Hall technology is only sensitive to the flux density applied orthogonally to the IC surface. The Triaxis™ Hall sensor, however, is sensitive to the flux density applied parallel to the IC’s surface. This is obtained through an Integrated Magneto-Concentrator (IMC) which is deposited on the CMOS die.

This technology allows the MLX90333 to sense any magnet moving in its surrounding area and therefore enables the design of novel non-contact position sensors, for applications such as joystick controls. These are often required for the man-machine interface of both automotive and industrial applications.

Furthermore, the ability to measure flux density in three planes (BX, BY and BZ) allows the MLX90333 to be used as a universal non-contacting position sensor. In combination with the appropriate signal processing, the magnetic flux density of a small magnet moving above the IC can be measured in a non-contacting way. The bi-angular information is computed from the three vector components of flux density. The MLX90333 then outputs two linear signals, with output formats selectable between analogue, PWM and serial protocols.

 

FEATURES Robust magnetic design Triaxis Hall technology Programmable linear transfer characteristics Selectable analogue (ratiometric), PWM and serial protocols 12-bit angular resolution 10-bit angular thermal accuracy 40-bit ID number Single-die package and dual-die TSSOP-16 package

APPLICATIONS Non-contact position sensing Headlamp position control Side-mirror control Industrial man-machine interface

 

 

Melexis / MLX90333