/> Magnetic sensors detect a change in the open/closed state of covers or doors of most home appliances, including refrigerators, washing machines and microwave ovens. The appliance can then stop and restart operation and turn its lights on or off; a valuable function from the standpoints of energy conservation, safety and user convenience. This is increasingly accomplished whereby a component within the appliance detects the distance that a magnetic body (the magnet) moves based on the magnet’s relative proximity to a sensor.

Recently, these mechanisms can also be seen in parts that detect whether auxiliary equipment for instruments and machinery, such as industrial machinery and security systems that protect doors and windows of homes against entry, is installed or not. The range of sensor applications is increasingly expanding, and as mechanisms increase in functionality and decrease in size, components that provide reliable detection in tighter installation spaces are needed.

The HGDFPA006A is a switching output, high-sensitivity magnetic sensor capable of long detection distance that is more compact thanks to the use of ALPS’ proprietary high-precision magnetic element. Detection distance has been improved a substantial 60% compared with ALPS’ existing magnetic sensor (HGDFPT031A). The distance over which the HGDFPA006A detects a magnetic force is: Hon=0.6mT, the longest in the industry. (Conditions and distance: When a 20 x 10 x 6mm ferrite magnet is used, the detection distance is 35mm—the distance from the magnet’s surface to the substrate to which the sensor is installed (the sensing position). The detection distance of ALPS’ existing magnetic sensor is 22mm under the same conditions.)

Moreover, the sensor has a thinner profile (width: 14.15mm; depth: 5.00mm; height: 13.00mm) and can be mounted in the tighter installation spaces necessitated by more compact and multi-functioned appliances.

The HGDFPA006A utilizes snap-in type mounting, making it easier to install in the final product. ALPS’ product lineup in the HGDFPA series also includes switching output-type connector connection model magnetic sensors for similar applications to the HGDFPA006A.