The AS5410 offers impressive accuracy, immunity to interference and flexibility for measuring a wide array of distances

Unterpremstaetten, Austria (June 6, 2011) – austriamicrosystems (SIX: AMS), a leading global designer and manufacturer of high performance analog ICs, has introduced the AS5410 linear position sensor, the first product of the world’s first fully-featured 3D Hall platform. The unique 3D Hall sensor solution senses absolute position in automotive & industrial applications and provides highest resolution position information.

The AS5410 allows absolute position sensing of a simple two-pole magnet immediately after starting up the device without the need for a prior reference run within the application. Position sensing is possible over large mechanical travel distances even with very small magnets: a travel distance of 40mm does not pose a problem for a small, 4 x 4 x 3 mm sized NeFeB magnet, for example. Moreover, the 3D Hall solution’s output remains stable even when the device is subject to external stray magnetic fields. This feature is a worldwide first and the result of a special differential measurement technique including several 3D Hall sensor elements. Programming the internal EEPROM of the AS5410 allows to convert a wide range of geometries including curved movements, non-linear scales, and tilted chip/magnet geometries into a linear output signal. In order to achieve a perfectly linearized output (up to 0.5% accuracy), the AS5410 linear position sensor provides an internal linearization table with 33 base points. With four preset basic operating modes which are selectable via SPI, the austriamicrosystems AS5410 3D Hall encoder offers quick and easy configuration. All signal conditioning is on chip, including compensation for temperature effects.

“The AS5410’s unique differential architecture makes it perfect for use in position sensing applications that include not only dust, dirt and moisture but also unwanted magnetic fields,” stated Bernd Gessner, Senior VP and General Manager business unit Automotive at austriamicrosystems. He continued, “The unique AS54xx family of 3D Hall magnetic encoder ICs is a fundamental addition to our current magnetic sensor product portfolio with a focus on both the automotive and industrial markets.”

About the AS54xx Series

A portfolio of 3D Hall encoder products is being developed to operate up to 150°C and from a supply up to 18 V. For product specific information, to download data sheets or to request free samples from austriamicrosystems' online shop ICdirect, please visit www.ams.com/3D-Hall. For more information on the AS5410 and the AS540x series, visit www.ams.com/AS540x

Price and availability

The AS5410 3D Hall sensor is sampling now. Production quantities will be available in Q3. Pricing starts at $ 3.75 in 1000 piece quantities.

Technical Support

A demonstration board for the AS5410 3D Hall magnetic encoder is available. Contact austriamicrosystems for price.