Infineon will have engineering samples of a 3D magnetic sensor in July.
Called TLV493D-A1B6 performs magnetic field detection in x, y, and z direction allowing the sensor to measure 3D linear and rotation movements. The digital I²C interface enables bidirectional communication between sensor and microcontroller.
The sensor is for consumer and industrial applications that require 3D measurements or angular measurements or low power consumption, such as joysticks; control elements used for white goods and multi-function knobs; and electric meters where the 3D magnetic sensor helps to protect against tampering.
“Our TLV493D-A1B6 enables magnetic sensing to applications which have not been considered so far by making them smaller, more accurate and robust,” says Infineon’s Ralf Bornefeld, “our TLV493D-A1B6 marks the starting point for a new 3D magnetic sensor family. Later this year, we will offer a 3D sensor for automotive applications such as gear sticks and steering column controls.”
Today, up to three magnetic sensors – one for each dimension of external magnetic field – are needed to measure tampering attempts with large magnets. In future, the 3D magnetic sensor TLV493D-A1B6 replaces all three dimension sensors thus making e-meters smaller and more energy efficient.
The 3D sensor TLV493D-A1B6 detects all three dimensions of a magnetic field. Using lateral hall plates for the z direction and vertical Hall plates for the x and y direction of the magnetic field, the sensor can be used in a large magnetic field range of +/- 150mT (milli Tesla) for all three dimensions. This allows measuring and covering a long magnet movement. The large operation scale also makes the magnet circuit design easy, robust and flexible.
The TLV493D-A1B6 provides 12-bit data resolution for each measurement direction. This allows a high data resolution of 0.098mT per bit (LSB) so that even the smallest magnet movements can be measured.
For more detail: 3D magnetic sensor from Infineon
