Micronas introduces most accurate linear Hall sensor for automotive applications (0708)
The new HAL®82x offers accurate position sensing of newest-generation throttle valves.
Freiburg, Germany, April 26, 2007 – Micronas (SWX Swiss Exchange: MASN), a leading supplier of innovative application-specific IC system solutions for consumer and automotive electronics, today announced the HAL 82x family of programmable Hall-effect sensors designed to meet the latest accuracy requirements of many automotive applications.
”We designed the HAL 82x to meet the increasing demands on engine management in the automotive industry. Ever more accurate readings of key vehicle parameters means lower emissions and better fuel economy,” says Peter Zimmermann, Market Manager Automotive at Micronas. “The sensor offers highest precision to meet the requirements of next-generation throttle valve position sensors. This reduces pollutant and CO2 emissions.” Other target applications include linear movement measurement, flow measurement, position detection and contactless potentiometers.
Like its predecessors of the second generation, the HAL 82x has an integrated EEPROM to store the sensor parameters. Proven in previous generations of Micronas Hall-effect sensors, the EEPROM is extremely robust and reliable, even at the allowed maximum junction temperature of 170 °C.
The sensor’s high accuracy is based on the 14-bit signal path, the integrated digital signal processing and the ratiometric 12-bit analog output. The sensor also features a multiplexed analog output. With this new output format, developed by Micronas (patent pending), the 12-bit D/A-converter of the HAL 82x achieves the actual resolution of a 14 bit-converter, while avoiding the small quantization intervals. This delivers an excellent signal-to-noise ratio on the output.
Micronas designers put extra effort into minimizing the drift of sensitivity and offset over the temperature range. This guarantees long-term stability of the main parameters, which helps to ensure the car’s optimum performance for many years. The differential non-linearity (DNL) is below one LSB. Electrostatic discharge (ESD) is a severe issue in automotive applications and the 4-kV rating of the HAL 82x significantly surpasses other existing linear Hall sensors.
Automobile trouble-shooting and repair is enhanced by an integrated wire break detection system. This makes it easy for the engine control computer to detect and report problems with the car’s wiring.
Micronas offers a development board for design and production of the Hall sensors. The required software is available free of charge.
The RoHS-compliant HAL 82x is available in the TO 92UT package, suitable for overmolding, and operates at ambient temperatures between –40 °C and +150 °C.
Depending on the product type, the HAL 82x is available at a price between 1.90 – 2.20 USD / 1.60 € and 1.80 € (for 50 K/year). Samples will be available in July 2007.
Micronas will demonstrate the HAL 82x in Hall 7, stand 345 at Sensor+Test in Nuremberg, Germany from May 22 – 24, 2007.