Debuting as the industry’s first family of programmable uni-polar, Hall-effect switches, the A3250 and A3251 are one-time externally programmable over a wide magnetic range. The new Hall-effect switches are said to provide for very tight distribution and optimization of magnetic switch points to reduce the effects of offsets. The switches also employ a patented chopper-stabilization technique that makes them temperature stable and stress resistant. The two switches differ only in output polarity: the A3250 output current goes low in the presence of a south pole and the A3251 output current goes high. Programming hardware can be purchased or programming software and hardware schematics can be downloaded from the company’s website. Available in a three-lead, single in-line package, prices start at $0.91 each/1,000. ALLEGRO MICROSYSTEMS INC., Worcester, MA. (508) 853-5000.
