The in-plane Hall-effect switch offers an alternative to magnetoresistive sensors
Texas Instruments (TI) has launched its new in-plane Hall-effect switch for position sensing, offering engineers an alternative to magnetoresistive sensors
TI's TMAG5134 Hall-effect switch features an integrated magnetic concentrator so it can detect magnetic fields as weak as 1mT in applications including door and window sensors, personal electronics, home and appliances and more.
This level of sensitivity means smaller magnets can be used, reducing system-level costs. The TMAG5134's in-plane sensing capabilities allow it to detect magnetic fields parallel or horizontal to a printed circuit board.
Engineers requiring high sensitivity levels in low-power, compact position-sensing designs usually use reed switches or tunnel magnetoresistive (TMR), anisotropic magnetoresistive (AMR) or giant magnetoresistive (GMR) sensors. However, these technologies require specialised materials and fabrication techniques, which in turn result in higher costs and manufacturing complexities. Hall-effect technology does not require specialised manufacturing, reducing design costs and speed time to market.
Traditionally, Hall-effect switches have not been considered as suitable replacements for TMR, AMR, GMR or reed switches due to their limited sensitivity. The TMAG5134 gives engineers the option to achieve their desired sensitivity with a Hall-effect sensor, without additional costs or the complexity of magnetoresistive sensors.
Jason Cole, vice president and general manager, Sensing Products at TI, said, “The electronics we interact with in our daily lives, from our laptops to our smart home systems, use sensors to help make decisions based on the world around them.”
“For decades, TI’s sensing portfolio has enabled engineers to achieve greater accuracy, power efficiency and reliability in their designs. The TMAG5134 Hall-effect switch builds on these years of innovation, delivering a simplified, cost-effective solution that creates new possibilities for design engineers across industries.”
