Micronas presenting new programmable linear Hall sensor for more efficient position measurement

The first derivatives HAL 2420 and HAL 2425 of the HAL 24xy sensor family allow the measurement of larger distances with smaller magnets, providing substantial cost benefits when used in sophisticated and demanding automotive and industrial applications

Freiburg, October 31, 2012 – Micronas (SIX Swiss Exchange: MASN), known and recognized in the automotive and industrial business as a global partner for intelligent, sensor-based system solutions, today announces the enlargement of its product range with the high-precision, programmable HAL 2420 and HAL 2425 Hall-effect sensors. With these first members of the HAL 24xy family, Micronas now offers robust sensor solutions featuring high temperature stability and including wide-ranging diagnosis functions and effective protective circuitry.

The HAL 24xy family is based on the latest Micronas semiconductor technology with new digital architecture and further enhanced Hall elements. The HAL 2425 and HAL 2420 are particularly suitable for use in vehicles representing the ideal solution for detecting throttle valve and accelerator position, and for exhaust gas recirculation. Other typical applications include angular measurements up to 180°, any types of position detection and the wear-free replacement of conventional potentiometers.

As the distance information gained is in principle subject to certain deviations, the HAL 2425 is capable of linearizing the output signal using 16 setpoints with 12 bit accuracy. For the storage of the needed parameters, the sensor is equipped with a very temperature-resistant EEPROM which operates reliably over the complete junction-temperature range from -40 °C to 170 °C.

"The HAL 2425 offers our customers a wide range of advantages and benefits compared with their solutions used up to now. The significantly higher linearity of the output signal, achieved by using a much more flexible output compensation, helps to lower system costs. Another advantage is the saving in space and cost by using smaller magnets. Our customers also have the option of measuring larger distances, maintaining their existing solutions", says Dirk Behrens, Vice President Automotive at Micronas. "Owing to its high sensitivity and the minimum offset drift over the entire temperature range, the HAL 2425 ensures the ultimate stability of critical parameters in customer applications and so guarantees the safe component function in the car throughout the vehicle's entire life cycle".

Both the HAL 2425 and the HAL 2420 have an enlarged feature set for detecting and identifying potential sources of errors. The broad range of diagnosis functions includes detecting and signalling wiring problems, locating short circuits at the output stage and various self-tests of the whole sensor-signal path and of the memory environment. Being a member of the HAL 24xy family, they also offer a high degree of ESD and EMC protection. With 8 kV (HBM), they significantly outperform most sensor solutions currently available on the market.

Both the HAL 2425 and the HAL 2420 can be programmed directly via the bidirectional output pin by varying the supply voltage without the need for a separate programming pin.

The HAL 24xy sensors are available in the moldable TO92-UT package. First samples of the HAL 2420 with analog output and somewhat simpler compensating function have been available since October 2012. The HAL 2425 will see its market launch in the course of November 2012. Start of production is scheduled for the second quarter of 2013

About sensor solutions from Micronas

Micronas today offers the world’s broadest range of Hall-effect sensors and pioneered Hall sensors in CMOS technology. The company was the first to market CMOS Hall sensors. This technology allows the integration of the Hall-effect sensing element with standard electronics devices such as amplifiers, logic circuits, and volatile or non-volatile memories.

Micronas’ expertise in Hall sensors combines perfectly with its CMOS and mixed-signal design resources to create accurate, intelligent sensors for a broad range of applications. The ever-increasing demand for energy-efficient and highly reliable machines means that demand for these smart sensors will continue to grow.