MEMS-Based Device Acts As Contactless Position Encoder

Based on microelectromechanical systems (MEMS) technology and providing up to 64 positions of non-contact, absolute rotary position sensing, the AS5020 encoder can handle applications involving rotational speeds of up to 30,000 rpm over a range of harsh conditions, including temperatures of -40¡C to +85¡C. Housed in a miniature, SOIC-8 package, this highly integrated single-chip device includes a Hall-effect sensor array, signal conditioning circuitry, and the post processing capability needed to generate a 6-bit binary code. The software programmable, self-calibrating, auto-zeroing encoder accesses the absolute positional information via a 3-wire synchronous serial interface and is compatible with µC-based systems. The device requires a 4.5 to 5.5 Vdc supply and costs $1.75 each in OEM quantities. Demo kits are available for $295. AUSTRIA MICROSYSTEMS INC., Raleigh, NC. (919) 719-7212.