PRODUCT
STP 00-1
DESCRIPTION
Technical Advances in Hall-Effect Sensing
by Joe Gilbert
Introduction B
+V
techniques and design tools allowing the introduction of Figure 1a — Single Hall-plate
vastly improved sensor capabilities and intriguing new
sensor functions. Technical advances, often driven by
automotive requirements, are resulting in vast improve-
ments to standard Hall-effect switches, latches, linear and
specialty sensors available for consumer, medical, and
industrial needs.
Present and future Hall-effect sensors used to describe this function. This newest technique
again utilizes a single Hall-plate. The four-terminal
Most Hall-effect sensors are now designed using a element is chopped (electrically rotated) at a high fre-
chopped Hall-plate (figures 3a and 3b). Terms such as quency (typically 100 kHz to 500 kHz, depending upon
“chopper stabilized” or “dynamic offset cancellation” are the sensor function and the manufacturer.
TECHNICAL ADVANCES IN
HALL-EFFECT SENSING
1 VCC
REG
SAMPLE
& HOLD
REG.
X 3 OUTPUT
2 GROUND X
Dwg. FH-005-2
Dwg. EH-012
Figure 2 — Second generation digital sensor
SUPPLY
REG. TO ALL
SUBCIRCUITS
OFFSET CANCELLATION
OUTPUT
LOW-PASS
DYNAMIC
X
SAMPLE
& HOLD
FILTER
CONTROL
CURRENT
LIMIT
<1Ω
GROUND
Dwg. FH-020-1
Low-voltage, micro-power,
60 ms
magnetic pole-independent switch 60 µs - "AWAKE"
IDD(EN)
"SLEEP"
In answer to requests for a solid-state replacement for
fragile reed switches a low-voltage, low-power consump- SAMPLE &
tion, Hall-effect switch was introduced. Initial targets OUTPUT LATCHED
SUPPLY
SWITCH
TIMING
LOGIC
OFFSET CANCELLATION
OUTPUT
DYNAMIC
X
SAMPLE
& HOLD
LATCH
GROUND
Dwg. FH-020-5
3
TECHNICAL ADVANCES IN
HALL-EFFECT SENSING
After the desired codes are set a lock bit is set (figure Figure 6a — Program enable
6c). This prevents accidental re-programming.
Applications
BIT 1 PROGRAM
VPP PROGRAM ENABLE BIT 3 PROGRAM PROGRAM ENABLE
(000100)
ADDRESS 4
VPH
VPL
td(1) td(1) td(0) tdP
0
Dwg. WH-015
VPH
VPL
td(1) td(1) td(0) tdP
0
Dwg. WH-016
5
TECHNICAL ADVANCES IN
HALL-EFFECT SENSING
The ATS535 incorporates the programmable A3250 Applications are diverse for this device. Simple head-
into an assembly with a biasing magnet. Such a subas- on sensing where the target moves directly towards the
sembly (figure 7) is well suited for switching in proximity sensor is a primary use. This sensor is also ideal for zero-
to a ferrous target, cam, or gear. speed gear-tooth sensing, providing accurate edge detec-
tion and a true power-on position signal (low in the
Features presence of a target, high with absence of target).
• Chopper stabilized
• Reverse-battery protection One successful application accurately senses the head
• Supply transient protection of a machine screw 5 mm in diameter at a 3 mm air gap.
• Output short-circuit protection
• 4-pin nylon subassembly
1
• Programmable switch point 2
3
• True power-on sensor 4
• True zero-speed sensing
• 1.2 micron BiCMOS process
Programming