Magnetic Sensors - Linear, Compass (ICs)

Magnetic sensors ICs are crucial components used in a wide variety of modern technologies to identify and measure magnetic fields. They convert these magnetic phenomena into measurable electrical signals. Furthermore, they work based on various physical principles, the most common being the Hall effect.

Hall Effect: When an electric current-transmitting conductor is positioned in a magnetic field, a voltage is produced perpendicular to the current and the magnetic field. This voltage is proportional to the capacity of the magnetic field.

What are Linear Magnetic Sensors (ICs)?

Linear magnetic sensors provide an output signal that is linearly proportional to the capacity of the magnetic field. They are used for precise measurements of magnetic field intensity. They utilise the Hall effect to generate a voltage proportional to the magnetic field. This voltage is then intensified and processed within the IC to offer a linear output signal.

Potential Benefits of Linear Magnetic Sensors ICs

• Provide an analogue voltage or current output that varies linearly with the magnetic field capacity.
• Can measure minor alterations in magnetic field strength with high accuracy.   
• Available in various ranges to address different application needs.

Typical Applications of Linear Magnetic Sensors ICs

• Position Sensing: Controlling the linear position of an object by measuring the magnetic field from a magnet joined to the object.
• Current Sensing: Measuring the current flowing through a conductor by measuring the magnetic field generated by the electric current.
• Speed and RPM Measurement: Measuring the speed of a rotating item by identifying the magnetic field from a magnet connected to the object.

What are Compass Magnetic Sensors ICs Used for?

Compass magnetic sensors ICs are used to determine the direction or orientation by measuring the ground’s magnetic field. They are typically referred to as magnetometers or electronic compasses. These sensors usually use various Hall effect sensors or other magnetic sensing approaches to measure the magnetic field in three dimensions. 

What are the Possible Advantages of Using Our Top-line Compass Magnetic Sensors ICs?

• Provide a digital output that represents the device's heading or orientation.
• Measure the magnetic field in three axes (X, Y, and Z) to offer precise orientation data.
• Some compass sensors include tilt compensation to provide precise heading information even when the device is lop-sided.

Typical Applications of Compass Magnetic Sensors ICs

• Navigation: Applied in smartphones, tablets, and GPS systems for direction and orientation.
• Gaming and Virtual Reality: Used in gaming controllers and virtual reality headsets to track head and body motions.
• Robotics: Used in robots for navigation and orientation in their environment.