Date: 23/12/2008

User programmable linear sensor for automotive markets

Allegro has added a new device to their line of programmable linear sensors. This new sensor, A1386 is targeted at the automotive market and is designed to be flexible and highly accurate in applications requiring absolute position sensing.
It has dual operating modes, normal and low power. In normal operation mode Allegro's A1386 operates as an accurate, user-programmable linear with ratiometric output. In low power mode, the device actually disengages some internal components to reduce power consumption. The accuracy of the device is also compromised during low power consumption but remains serviceable as a region indicator (north or south pole of a rotating ring magnet).

These ratiometric Hall-effect sensors provide a voltage output that is proportional to the applied magnetic field over the entire 5.0 V supply. Both the quiescent voltage output and the magnetic sensitivity are user adjustable. The quiescent voltage output can be set to approximately 50% of the supply voltage, and the sensitivity adjusted between 1.90 mV/G and 3.50 mV/G for Vcc = 5 V.
The sensitivity TC of the A1386 is programmed in the factory to 0.13%/°C to compensate for neodymium magnets. An important feature of this device is its ability to recognize when Vcc drops below a certain voltage threshold at which time the device operates at a nominal 3 V and both the quiescent voltage output and sensitivity scale ratiometrically. The device is most accurate at a nominal 5 V.

Packaging: available in an ultra miniature through-hole single-inline package.

Further information about Allegro can be found at www.allegromicro.com