austriamicrosystems announces smallest linear Hall sensor IC with I²C interface

Designed for consumer applications, the AS5510 magnetic linear encoder offers the size, features and performance required for contactless linear position sensing in applications such as closed-loop position control systems with space constraints like zoom or autofocus camera systems. It can measure the absolute position of a simple 2-pole magnet for a typical lateral stroke of 0.5 - 2 mm with air gaps of 1.0 mm. With stronger magnets even higher lateral strokes and air gaps are possible.

To minimize power consumption, the AS5510 can switch to a power-down mode with a current consumption of 25 µA. The I²C interface provides a convenient and fast connection to the microcontroller without requiring additional analog to digital conversion. The combination of smallest possible system size, accurate and contactless sensing and lowest current consumption leads to an optimum fit for mobile electronic solutions.

Alfred Binder, Marketing Manager for HMI (human machine interface) devices at austriamicrosystems stated, “Other industry solutions are much bigger and provide only an analog output which necessitates an external ADC in the closed loop circuit. With an on-chip ADC and an I²C interface, the AS5510 can easily communicate with the system microcontroller and also facilitates programming the sensor. In addition, the AS5510’s high level of integration simplifies system design complexity and eliminates problems associated with noise, gain and reference voltages.”

The AS5510 linear Hall sensor IC is specified over the -30°C to +85°C temperature range, comes in a 6-pin WLCSP and operates from a 2.5V to 3.6V supply voltage.