3D magnetic sensor reduces power consumption

The TLV493D-A1B6 suits consumer and industrial applications that require accurate 3D measurements or angular measurements or low power consumption, such as joysticks; control elements used for white goods and multi-function knobs; and electric meters where the 3D magnetic sensor helps to protect against tampering. With its contactless position sensing and high temperature stability of magnetic threshold, the TLV493D-A1B6 enables these systems to become smaller, more accurate and robust.

Currently, one magnetic sensor is used for each dimension of the external magnetic field to measure tampering attempts with large magnets. The TLV493D-A1B6 replaces all three dimension sensors, making e-meters smaller and more energy efficient.

Using lateral hall plates for the z axis and vertical Hall plates for the x and y axes of the magnetic field, the sensor can be used in a large magnetic field range of ±150mT for all three dimensions. This allows users to measure a long magnet movement. The large operation scale also makes the magnet circuit design easy, robust and flexible. The TLV493D-A1B6 provides 12-bit data resolution for each measurement direction. This allows a high data resolution of 0.098mT per bit (LSB) so that even the smallest magnet movements can be measured.

One of the main development goals for the TLV493D-A1B6 sensor was low power consumption. In 'Power Down mode', the sensor only requires a 7nA supply current. To perform magnetic measurements, the sensor can be set in one of five different power modes. In 'Ultra Low Power Mode', for example, the sensor performs a magnetic measurement every 100ms (10Hz) resulting in a current consumption of 10µA. The time between measurement cycles can be set flexibly allowing system specific solutions. Using the sensor with continuous measurements, the maximum power consumption is only 3.7mA. Also, the power modes can be changed during operation.

The TLV493D-A1B6 uses a standard I²C digital protocol to communicate with external MCUs. It is possible to operate the sensors in a bus mode to eliminate additional wiring cost and efforts. Targeting industrial and consumer applications, TLV493D-A1B6 can be operated on supply voltages between 2.7 and 3.5V and over a temperature range from -40 to +125°C.

Engineering samples of the TLV493D-A1B6 designed for consumer and industrial applications are available as of July 2015. Volume production is expected to start in January 2016. To serve customers in the automotive market, Infineon will conduct a full AEC-Q100 qualification on the sensor. Volume production for the automotive qualified TLE493D-A1B6 is expected for mid of 2016.

To enable a fast design-in process, Infineon offers the '3D Magnetic 2Go' evaluation board. In combination with the free 3D sensor software, first magnetic measurements are attainable within minutes.