Pressbox: Micronas

Micronas presenting the smallest linear Hall sensor with integrated EEPROM

Programmability and ultimate reliability allow the flexible use in automotive, domestic and industrial applications

HAL 1820

(PresseBox) Freiburg, 24.09.2009, Micronas (SIX Swiss Exchange: MASN), a leading manufacturer and supplier of innovative and user-specific IC and sensor system solutions for use in automobiles and in industry, presents its HAL 1820, the first member of a new family of value-optimized linear Hall sensors.

The HAL 1820 is Micronas' answer to the market demand for an adaptable, robust and cost-effective sensor with low space requirement for detecting the position, the direction of movement or fluid levels, for current measurements and as an alternative to conventional potentiometers. The HAL 1820 meets every quality criteria of an automotive component, has best-in-class EMC capability and features internal overvoltage and reverse voltage protection at the power supply terminal.

"The electrical characteristics of the sensor such as field strength, sensitivity, offset and temperature coefficient are stored in an internal EEPROM. Programming is made by modulating the supply voltage, which means there is no need for an additional connection pin", says Peter Zimmermann, Director Marketing at Micronas.

The user-friendly programmability function allows the two-point calibration by adjusting the ratiometric output signal directly to the input signal (e.g. generated by angle, distance or current). Each sensor can be individually adjusted during the production process. With this calibration method, the tolerance values of the sensor, of the magnet and the mechanical positioning can be compensated in the final assembly. This is a cost-effective solution for all applications calling for mechanical adjustment or laser trimming for calibrating the system.

Next to software, a programming board is available for the development of applications using the HAL 1820. The Hall sensor is on offer in the packages TO92UA and SOT89A and aims for the temperature range TJ = -40 °C to +170 °C. The HAL 1820 is sold at a price of between EUR 0.7 and 0.9 at unit quantities of 100k. Samples in the T092UA package will be available after the end of the fourth quarter of 2009 and can be ordered through the Micronas webShop .

Micronas will present the HAL 1820 at the SPS/IPC/DRIVES in Nuremberg, Germany, (hall 4A, booth 441) from November 24 to 26.

About Sensor Solutions by Micronas

Micronas today offers the world's broadest range of Hall-effect sensors. A Hall-effect sensor detects the presence of a magnet without requiring actual physical contact. Thus, it can be used to sense movement and rotation without requiring contact with the moving object. Other parameters like pressure, force or torque can be sensed by noting the slight movements of a magnet caused by changes of the applied parameter.

While Hall-effect sensors can be made from various materials, Micronas pioneered the market in CMOS Hall-effect sensors and was the first to manufacture in CMOS technology. This technology allows integration of the Hall-effect sensing element with standard electronic devices such as amplifiers, logic circuits, and volatile and non-volatile memories.

Micronas' expertise in Hall sensors combines perfectly with its CMOS and mixed-signal design resources to create accurate, intelligent sensors for a broad range of applications. The ever-increasing demand for energy-efficient and highly reliable machines means that demand for these smart sensors will continue to grow.

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