Wireless Microsite
Hall-effect switch features low power consumption for battery-operated applications
The new A1171 from Allegro MicroSystems Europe is an ultra-sensitive micropower Hall-effect switch with latched digital outputs and either unipolar or omnipolar actuation. It features operation at low supply currents and voltages, making it ideal for battery-operated applications in portable or handheld communications and computer equipment.
The Unlike some traditional Hall-effect switches, the A1171 allows the user to configure how the device is magnetically actuated. Under default conditions the device will activate output switching with either a north or south polarity magnetic field of sufficient strength. The polarity specific actuation can be set by the user via an external selection pin to operate in a unipolar mode, switching only on a north or south polarity field.
The new device has two push-pull output structures, which source and sink current to eliminate the need for external pull-up resistors. This polarity independence, as well as the minimal power requirements, allows the A1171 to easily replace reed switches, providing superior reliability and ease of manufacturing while eliminating the requirement for signal conditioning.
The A1171 is currently available in the EW 6-pin micro-leaded DFN package measuring 2 mm x 1.5 mm x 0.4 mm.