Programmable linear Hall sensor for efficient position management

November 07, 2012 // Christoph Hammerschmidt

Micronas has expanded its sensor product range with the high-precision programmable HAL 2420 and HAL 2425 Hall-effect sensors. With these first members of the HAL 24xy family, the company offers robust sensor solutions featuring high temperature stability and including wide-ranging diagnosis functions and effective protective circuitry.

The HAL 24xy family is based on Micronas' semiconductor technology with new digital architecture and further enhanced Hall elements. The HAL 2425 and HAL 2420 are particularly suitable for use in vehicles representing the ideal solution for detecting throttle valve and accelerator position, and for exhaust gas recirculation. Other typical applications include angular measurements up to 180°, any types of position detection and the wear-free replacement of conventional potentiometers.

As the distance information gained is in principle subject to certain deviations, the HAL 2425 is capable of linearizing the output signal using 16 setpoints with 12 bit accuracy. For the storage of the needed parameters, the sensor is equipped with a very temperature-resistant EEPROM which operates reliably over the complete junction-temperature range from -40 °C to 170 °C.

The higher linearity of the output signal, achieved by using a more flexible output compensation, enables customers to lower their system costs. Another advantage is the saving in space and cost by using smaller magnets. Customers also have the option of measuring larger distances while maintaining their existing solutions, the company said.

Both the HAL 2425 and the HAL 2420 have an enlarged feature set for detecting and identifying potential sources of errors. The range of diagnosis functions includes detecting and signalling wiring problems, locating short circuits at the output stage and various self-tests across the entire sensor signal path and the memory environment. Being a member of the HAL 24xy family, the new sensors also offer a high degree of ESD and EMC protection. With 8 kV (HBM), they outperform most sensor solutions currently available on the market.

Both the HAL 2425 and the HAL 2420 can be programmed directly via the bidirectional output pin by varying the supply voltage without the need for a separate programming pin.

The HAL 24xy sensors are available in the moldable TO92-UT package. First samples of the HAL 2420 with analog output and somewhat simpler compensating function have been available since October 2012. The HAL 2425 will see its market launch in the course of November 2012. Start of production is scheduled for the second quarter of 2013.

Micronas will present the HAL 2420 and HAL 2425 sensors from November 13 to 16 at the electronica in Munich (hall A6, booth 215).

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