Date: 18/03/2009

Hall effect based position sensor for transportation and automotive applications

Vishay Intertechnology has unveiled a hall effect based position sensor in hollow- and D-shaft versions for applications in harsh environments.

This sensor code numbered 981 HE can tolerate high-frequency vibrations up to 20 G and shocks up to 50 G over a temperature range of -45°C to +125°C.

The sensor is optimized for foot pedal position sensors, throttle position sensors, steering position sensors, drive-by-wire, lift and shuttle position sensors, tilt control and tilt positioning feedback, and suspension system position sensors in marine, avionics, fork lift trucks, farm equipment, cranes, and automotive applications.

With all electrical angles available up to 360° with no dead band, the device features linearity down to ±0.5%. The sensor offers a life of greater than 10 million cycles for the D-shaft version, and greater than 5 million cycles for the hollow-shaft version. The 981 HE provides continuous performance for the life of the device with no drift of linearity. Spring-loaded versions of the device are also available.

The sensor operate at a supply voltage of 5 V ±10%. The device features a typical supply current of 10 mA, and 16 mA for PWM output. The 981 HE offers +20-V over voltage protection and -10-V reverse voltage protection. The recommended load resistance is 1 kO for analog output and PWM output.

Samples of the 981 HE are available now. Production quantities will be available in Q1 2009, with lead times of 12 weeks for large orders.