Hall Sensors

Two new types of integrated Hall sensors from Sentron AG, Zug, Switzerland, respond to a magnetic field parallel to the chip surface, unlike conventional Hall sensors, which only measure the field component perpendicular to the device surface. Compared to magnetoresistive (MR) sensors, the Sentron Sensors have improved linearity, reduced hysteresis, and give the positive or negative direction of the field.

Sentron's new microsystems, the Type CSA-1 single axis and the Type 2SA-1 two-axis, are complete integrated CMOS sensor systems, including Hall elements, biasing circuit, amplifier, and programming of gain, offset, and temperature coefficient.

Miniaturized applications for noncontacting sensing of electric current, mechanical position, or angle are now feasible with improved price/performance ratio. Model CSA-1 is a single axis Hall sensor with sensitivity of up to 300mV/mT (30mV/G). It’s particularly useful for current and remote position sensing.

Model 2SA-10 is a two-axis Hall sensor which measures the two in-plane magnetic field components at a point with an angular error of less than 1%. A rotation of a magnetic field produces phase shifted output signals. The sine and cosine output signals are ideal for linear or angular position sensing. For current commutation on brushless dc motors, the Model 2SA-11 version provides 0°, 120° and 240° output signals.

Production quantities of these sensors will be available in August 2002 with unit prices of about $5.00 (quantities of 1000).