Magnetic position sensors
Broadest range of magnetic position sensors for reliable and energy-efficient applications
Magnetic position sensors subcategories
A magnetic position sensor observes an object and sends measurable data via a signal to convey its position. Use of this signal varies widely, as positional data can be used to trigger alarms, control system processes, and automate specific responses.
Elements that are magneto resistive change their shape and size when close to a magnetic field. A magneto resistive position sensor establishes an object’s location by noting these changes. To do this, a position magnet first attaches itself to the object that is to be measured. This magnet casts a magnetic field that interacts with a second magnetic field created by a magneto resistive wire carrying electric current. The interaction between the two magnetic fields causes a sonic pulse that is detected by the magneto resistive position sensor at the end of the wire. The time between the current and the pulse determines the location of the object and its attached position magnet.
Magnetic position sensors are non-contact sensors, meaning they don’t need to make contact with the object they’re measuring in order to function, and therefore suffer less wear and tear. In comparison to other types of sensors, they require fewer parts, making them easier to assemble and less likely to fail. Depending on the sensing capabilities of the magnetic position sensor IC, the measurement technology will fall into one of the following categories: anisotropic magneto resistive (AMR), giant magneto resistive (GMR), tunnel magneto resistive (TMR), or Hall sensor technology.
Infineon’s portfolio of magnetic position sensors
Infineon’s broad selection of XENSIV™ sensors includes magnetic position sensors with AMR, GMR, TMR, and Hall sensor technology, so our customers can find the perfect fit for their application. Not only are Infineon magnetic position sensing solutions used effectively in a range of automotive applications, but also in industrial and consumer equipment and appliances. Infineon XENSIV™ sensors are exceptionally precise thanks to industry-leading magnetic technologies and over 40 years of experience in sensing solutions.
Infineon sensors with Hall sensing technology serve a range of purposes, from determining object proximity and detecting linear and rotational movement to measuring the angular position of a magnetic field. They can be used for motor control in BLDC motors, which can subsequently be used in home appliances and power tools. Our linear sensors come programmed with several interface options and report back extremely accurate linear and angular positional measurements.
Infineon’s XENSIV™ 3D magnetic sensors are an industry standard, able to three-dimensionally detect a magnetic field’s movement. They can be used in joysticks and gear shifts, as well as a magnetic rotary position sensor to control rotary knobs and indicators. Our magnetic angle sensors serve a number of automotive applications, measuring steering angle and torque; starting the motors of wipers, pumps, drives, and actuators; and controlling other safety, body, and powertrain features.
With AMR, GMR, TMR, and Hall sensor technology offered as part of Infineon’s magnetic position sensor portfolio, manufacturers and designers can find the best-fit solution for their specific application:
Anisotropic magneto resistive (AMR) technology
Sensors with anisotropic magneto resistive technology create a proportional magnetic field by sending electric current along a wire. The currents are sent through an equipped magnetic position sensor IC that uses a permalloy, whose resistance is subsequently changed by the magnetic field. The circuit then converts the changed resistance into a measurable voltage.
Giant magneto resistive (GMR) technology
Sensors with giant magneto resistive technology observe a change in resistance between two ferromagnetic materials (materials attracted to magnets) that are separated by one non-magnetic layer. Giant magneto resistive sensors determine the amount of resistance by observing the degree to which the magnetic fields are or aren’t parallel.
Tunnel magneto resistive (TMR) technology
Sensors with tunnel magneto resistive technology accounts for two of its counterparts’ weaknesses: low voltage output and susceptibility to temperature changes. Thanks to their parallel structure, TMR magneto resistive sensors allow electrons to tunnel freely between their layers, creating an output several times higher than that of AMR or GMR sensors. Not only is it more powerful, but the tunneling effect results in accurate measurements unaffected by spikes or drops in temperature.
Hall sensor technology
Magnetic position sensors with Hall technology make use of the Hall effect, which creates voltage by using a perpendicular magnetic field to distribute electric charges on opposite sides of a flat conductor. This distribution creates a potential difference, known as Hall voltage, that is directly proportional to the strength of the magnetic field.
A Hall sensor with a magnet in its shaft becomes attached to an object. As the object moves, its changing position affects the strength of the magnetic field being applied to the conductor. The converted Hall voltage is then used to show the location of the object.
Magnetic position sensors are categorized by how they measure magnetic fields and what positioning and movement they determine. Their usage overlaps, but different sensors also have strengths that stand out in certain situations.
Magnetic switches
Magnetic switches work in concert with Hall sensor technology, which is responsible for measuring the strength and polarity of a magnetic field. For this to occur, at least one magnetic-field-sensitive Hall plate is installed in each switch, which reacts to different polarity and switching thresholds depending on the design.
Magnetic switches are divided into switches and latches according to their switching behavior. Hall switches switch on when a magnetic field is present above a certain switching threshold and switch off again when the value falls below a certain switching threshold. Hall latches also switch above or below a certain switching threshold in the presence of a magnetic field. Unlike switches however, latches are turned on by a magnetic field and turned off by a field of opposite polarity. By cleverly connecting several Hall plates with different orientations in one package, magnetic fields can be detected from any spatial direction and the direction of rotation of a shaft can be determined.
This means that magnetic switches can be used in a wide range of applications, such as in the detection of the position and presence of magnets, as rotary encoders, or to commutate motors, for example.
Linear sensors
Using Hall sensor technology, linear sensors measure the vertical component of a magnetic field and relay a proportional signal. They are a reliable and accurate piece of equipment for detecting angular and linear object positioning. Once in use, they determine changes in an object’s distance and/or positioning and send the measurable signal via electrical output.
3D magnetic sensors
3D magnetic sensors are revolutionary due to their ability to not only offer contactless linear and angular detection, but, more importantly, to determine a magnet’s movement in three dimensions. Using Hall sensing technology, a 3D magnetic position sensor is designed to handle any kind of magnetic measurement, determining the strength of a magnetic field across x-, y-, and z-axes. Additional features of 3D magnetic position sensors include 3D Hall temperature range as well as their compact, miniaturized assembly.
Angle sensors
Angle sensors operate with GMR, TMR, and AMR technology, and are currently the only type of sensor available with a digital iGMR, iAMR, or iTMR interface. They use integrated magneto resistive elements to determine sine and cosine angle measurements that reveal the positioning of a magnetic field. Infineon´s iGMR (giant magneto resistive) sensors offer different levels of signal processing integration allowing designers to optimize system partitioning. They are also pre-calibrated and ready-to-use. Our iAMR sensors offer best performance over temperature, lifetime and magnetic field range making them ideal for applications with the highest accuracy requirements. Though Infineon does not currently offer angle sensors with Hall sensor technology, ongoing innovation will make them available in the near future.
Infineon’s range of magnetic position sensors mainly function across automotive applications. Magnetic switches lift windows and open sunroofs, launch seatbelt pretensioners, and automate the opening of tailgates and doors. Our 3D magnetic rotation sensors work in everything from navigation systems and wiper controls to gear stick and valve position sensing. Linear magnetic sensors are essential to safety features, regulating electric power steering, adjusting headlights, and serving as a magnetic throttle position sensor to balance power flow to the engine. Angle sensors are used for steering angle sensing as well as rotor position measurement.
Our Hall effect and magneto resistive automotive position sensors are equally applicable to several other automotive applications, including as magnetic crankshaft position sensors, which measure the position and rotation of an engine’s crankshaft. They also function as magnetic cylinder position sensors, which can be used to note and relay back the position of engine pistons. All Infineon magnetic position sensors can be used across a range of industrial and consumer applications, such as brushless driver control (BLDC) motors, joystick components, robotics positioning control, as well as wearable and smart home devices.
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