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3D Magnetic Sensor Basics and Applications

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This page covers the basics of 3D magnetic sensors, including application notes and a list of manufacturers. As the name suggests, a magnetic sensor measures magnetic fields.

A 3D magnetic sensor measures the magnetic field (H-field) in three dimensions: X, Y, and Z. This makes them suitable for a variety of consumer and industrial applications, such as:

  • Control elements in white goods
  • Joysticks
  • Multi-function knobs
  • Electric meters

3D Magnetic Sensor Application Note

Infineon has recently released a 3D magnetic sensor with extremely low power consumption. It consists of three major functional blocks:

  • Sensing part: This unit consists of probes connected sequentially to a Multiplexer (MUX), which is then connected to an Analog-to-Digital Converter (ADC).
  • I2C interface: This provides a standard digital communication interface for easy integration with microcontrollers and other systems.
  • Power mode control system: This manages the power distribution within the IC, includes a power-on reset function, and provides a low-power oscillator as a clock reference.

Key features of this 3D magnetic sensor include:

  • 10µA consumption during normal operation
  • 12-bit resolution
  • Digital output using the I2C interface
  • Variable frequency and power mode settings, configurable during operation
  • Linear field measurements up to +/- 150 mT

3D Magnetic Sensor Manufacturers/Vendors

Here are some popular manufacturers and vendors of magnetic sensors:

  • Micro Magnetics
  • Infineon
  • Fraunhofer IIS
  • Melexis Semiconductors
  • Sensixs Design