Tiny, micropower Hall-effect switches from Diodes Incorporated

This advancement aims to prolong the battery life of mobile and portable gadgets. Specifically tailored for detecting the opening and closing of portable electronic devices like smartphones and tablets, these switches are also adept at proximity sensing in devices such as digital cameras and handheld gaming consoles, in addition to facilitating contactless switching applications.

The AH1899A/B/S series is compatible with application chipsets, thanks to their supply voltage range of 1.1 to 2.0V, which includes the commonly used 1.2V, thereby ensuring straightforward integration. The energy-efficient design of these switches reduces the typical average operating current to a mere 0.95µA at 1.2V. Furthermore, the inclusion of a hibernating clocking system within these devices significantly enhances system energy efficiency, contributing to the extended operational life of battery-powered equipment.

Capable of functioning with both north and south magnetic poles near their surface, the AH1899A/B/S switches employ a chopper-stabilised approach. This ensures minimal drift in operating (BOP) and release (BRP) points across variations in supply voltage and temperature. With two sensitivity levels available, designers have the flexibility to customise the switch's responsiveness to suit specific requirements. The AH1899B and AH1899S models activate upon detecting magnetic field strengths exceeding 30 Gauss and deactivate below 20 Gauss, whereas the AH1899A model, offering higher sensitivity, operates at 18 Gauss and releases at 12 Gauss, ensuring the device remains off in the absence of magnetic fields.

Additionally, these switches offer significant advantages in terms of saving board space, being packaged as X2-DFN1010-4 (Type B) surface-mount devices. Their compact size, measuring just 1.0 x 1.0mm and with a height of only 0.4mm, is smaller than many alternatives, while integrated pull-up and pull-down resistors eliminate the need for external components, further conserving PCB area.

The AH1899A, AH1899B, and AH1899S are currently in production and are available starting at $0.11 for orders of 5,000 units. These models, along with Diodes Incorporated’s comprehensive range of Hall-effect sensors, can be found in the company's Hall-effect sensor part selector, ready to enhance a wide array of electronic devices.