Linear Hall-effect sensor IC offers accurate and flexible alternative to potentiometers

Allegro MicroSystems has released a new three-axis linear Hall-effect sensor IC that provides 12-bit digital output words that are proportional to the strength of the field present in each of the X, Y, and Z axes. The quiescent output value (zero magnetic field applied) is at mid-scale. The company’s ALS31300 is preconfigured and available for use in a joystick mode that includes crouch capability or single-ended X, Y, and Z modes. Single-ended configured devices are suitable for 3D linear sensing or 2D angle sensing applications and are available with three different factory-programmed sensitivity operating ranges: ±500G, ±1000G, and ±2000G. The sensitivity temperature coefficient is preprogrammed to support the drift profile of neodymium magnets. This new device has been designed specifically for gaming, electric metering, white goods, and industrial applications. The device incorporates I2C interface for easy integration into a wide variety of applications. The I2C address can be set either by external resistors (16 unique addresses) or programmed into EEPROM via I2C (127 unique addresses), allowing for multiple devices on the same bus. The device also includes 78 bits of user EEPROM. Power management of the sensor is highly configurable, allowing for system-level optimisation of supply current and performance. Sleep mode consumes just 14 nA (typical), making the ALS31300 well suited for portable, battery-operated applications. The device is supplied in a 3mm × 3mm × 0.8mm, 10-contact DFN package (‘EJ’). This small footprint package is lead (Pb) free, with 100% matt-tin leadframe plating.