Hall-effect latch IC uses vertical Hall technology

Increased design flexibility with highly sensitive switch thresholds

Allegro MicroSystems: The new A1260 vertical Hall-effect sensor IC from Allegro MicroSystems Europe is an extremely temperature-stable and stress-resistant magnetic sensing device that is ideal for use in harsh operating environments.

The new device is actuated by alternating north and south polarity magnetic fields in parallel with the device’s branded face rather than perpendicular to it as in a traditional Hall-effect sensor. This enables system designers to achieve new mechanical configurations not feasible with traditional planar Hall sensors, including replacing through-hole SIP devices with miniature surface-mount SOT23 ICs, saving space and cost.

The A1260 is optimised for the speed and position sensing of ring magnets in conjunction with motors or encoders or other moving or rotating assemblies, and is targeted at the automotive, communications, consumer and industrial markets. Key end applications include motor commutation and speed and direction sensing in automotive window lifts, sunroofs and tail/lift gates, white goods, automated window blinds, garage door openers and sliding doors.

The A1260 includes, on a single silicon chip, a voltage regulator, Hall-voltage generator, small-signal amplifier, chopper stabilisation, Schmitt trigger circuitry, and an NMOS output that can sink up to 25 mA. The on-board regulator permits operation with supply voltages from 3 V to 24 V and incorporates EMC robustness for protection against high-voltage transient events.

The A1260 is qualified to AEC-Q100 standards and includes zener clamps, output short-circuit protection, and reverse-battery protection. Superior high-temperature performance is made possible through dynamic offset cancellation, which reduces the residual offset voltage normally caused by device overmoulding, temperature dependencies, and thermal stress.

The device is highly sensitive with a typical operating point (BOP) of 25 G, and its magnetic operating characteristics are specified across the operating voltage and temperature ranges.

The A1260 is supplied in two package types: a modified SOT23W surface-mount package (type LH) that switches with magnetic fields oriented perpendicularly to the non-leaded edge of the package; or an ultra-mini SIP (type UA), equipped for through-hole mounting and lead forming, that switches when a magnetic field is presented to the top edge of the package, parallel with the branded face.  Both packages are RoHS-compliant and lead (Pb) free (suffix, -T), with 100% matt tin-plated leadframes.

About Allegro
Allegro MicroSystems, LLC is a leader in developing, manufacturing and marketing high-performance semiconductors. Allegro's innovative solutions serve high-growth applications within the automotive market, with additional focus on office automation, industrial, and consumer/communications solutions. Allegro is headquartered in Worcester, Massachusetts (USA) with design, applications, and sales support centers located worldwide. Further information about Allegro can be found at www.allegromicro.com

Allegro MicroSystems Europe, headquartered in Chertsey, United Kingdom, is the European sales and marketing operation, and operates a network of representatives and distributors throughout Europe.  Allegro also has an engineering design centre in Edinburgh in Scotland and an application and marketing centre in Annecy in France.