Along with new magnetic sensing products, Monolithic Power has configured a handy plastic knob equipped with a neodymium cylinder magnet as an accessory for evaluating its sensors. The magnet is diametrically magnetized to produce the correct input signal for the MagAlpha family of sensors, helping design engineers quickly and easily test the sensors under real conditions. The EVKT-LT-Knob is designed to fit all TBMA-LT evaluation boards. It is one of several recent developments in magnetics sensing from MPS.
Among them are its MAQ473 IC which is a 9-bit to 14-bit automotive angle sensor in the MagAlpha line. It detects the absolute angular position of a permanent magnet, typically a diametrically magnetized cylinder on a rotating shaft. Fast data acquisition and processing provide accurate angle measurement at speeds from 0rpm to 60,000rpm.
It supports a wide range of magnetic field strengths and spatial configurations including both end-of-shaft and off-axis configurations. It features magnetic field strength detection with programmable thresholds to allow sensing of the magnet position relative to the sensor for the creation of functions such as the sensing of axial movements or for diagnostics.
Another recent development is the MCS1806 linear Hall-effect current sensor for AC or DC current sensing. The Hall array is differential, which cancels out any stray magnetic field. A primary conductor with a low resistance allows current to flow close to the IC, which contains high-accuracy Hall-effect sensors. This current generates a magnetic field that is sensed at two different points by the integrated Hall-effect transducers. The magnetic field difference between these two points is then converted into a voltage that is proportional to the applied current. A spinning current technique is used for a low stable offset. The galvanic isolation between the pins of the primary conductive path and the sensor leads allows the MCS1806 to replace optoisolators or other isolation devices.
Based in Kirkland, Washington, MPS provides semiconductor-based power electronics solutions including many that apply magnetics technologies including angle and current sensors, inductors, power modules, power management ICs and motor drivers with integrated Hall effect sensors. It also operates commercial EMC testing laboratories in USA, Germany and China. See www.monolithicpower.com.
