Angular position sensors for automotive applications in vehicle systems

Mouser is stocking the AS5170 magnetic angular position sensors from ams. The devices are their first magnetic position sensors fully developed using the automotive industry’s program for ISO 26262 safety compliance to meet the ever-increasing demand for automotive safety features built into critical vehicle systems. The sensors are their first magnetic position sensors to provide full data path diagnostics, enabling automotive system OEMs to achieve a higher level of ISO 26262 system-level compliance. The diagnostic system built into the devices tests the entire device, from the Hall sensor front end, through the DSP engine, to the back-end interfaces and pins. They are qualified to AEC-Q100 Grade 0, and accurately measure the absolute angle of rotation. Their high, 12-bit output resolution enables precise measurements, even for reduced angular excursions down to a minimum arc of 90 degrees, making the devices ideal for a range of safety-critical automotive applications including chassis height, gear shifters, electronic power steering, exhaust gas recirculation, and brake pedal as well as throttle position sensing. The sensors can benefit from stray magnetic field immunity, enabling unimpaired operation even in the presence of strong magnetic fields generated by electric motors, high current-carrying cables and other external devices. This results in highly reliable performance and reduces system cost eliminating the need for the shielding. They are available in an 8-pin SOIC package with either analog ratiometric (AS5170A) or digital PWM or SENT (AS5170B) output interfaces.