The A1232 is ideal for hard automotive and industrial environments
Allegro MicroSystems’ new A1232 magnetic sensing device is highly sensitive and temperature-stable, and is ideal for use in ring magnet-based speed and direction systems, in particular within harsh usage and industrial environments.
This new magnetic sensor IC is intended primarily for the automotive motor market, and in such applications as sunroofs, trunk lift gates and automatic windows, but it also can be used in window blinds and garage door openers. In particular the A1232 is designed for demanding, high-performance motor commutation applications, applying currents or voltages to the proper electrical motor phases to produce optimum motor torque.
Allegro’s A1232 speed and direction sensor offers solid-state reliability, robust structures for electromagnetic compatibility (EMC) protection, reverse battery protection and short-circuit protected outputs.
The A1232 contains two bipolar Hall-effect switches, with a conduction path close to the die surface. Current flowing along this copper pathway creates a magnetic field that is sensed by the integrated Hall IC and converted into proportional voltage.
These two switches are precisely arranged 1.63 mm apart, and are thus in quadrature¬ (featuring signals 90° out of phase with each other) when interfaced with the proper ring magnet design. Internal logic processes the resulting digital signals for speed and direction during the device’s outputs. The Hall elements also are extremely closely aligned, eliminating a major manufacturing hurdle encountered in fine-pitch applications.
The A1232 also features true power-on state (TPOS), detecting hysteresis; in fact, the A1232 is the first device of its kind to detect hysteresis when it powers up, thus reducing angle accuracy error, which can occur when edges are missed at start-up.
Allegro’s post-assembly factory programming provides sensitive, symmetrical switch points, with extremely low-drift amplifiers maintaining this symmetry. Allegro’s patented technologies allow for increased signal-to-noise ratios, leading to stability across operating temperature and voltage ranges, as well as boasting industry-leading jitter performance.
The A1232 gullwing-style package, featuring a plastic 8-pin surface mount, can operate within a temperature range of –40° C to 150° C. It is lead-free, and compliant with the Restriction of Hazardous Substances (RoHS) directive.
The A1232’s many qualities include the following:
• True Power-On State (TPOS), which recognizes the hysteresis region at power-on—an industry first.
• Superior temperature stability.
• An internal regulator for 3.3 V to 24 V operation.
• Symmetrical, high-sensitivity switch points.
Image Source: Allegro