Gear-tooth sensor for automotive applications

The ATS632LSA gear-tooth sensor module from Allegro MicroSystems uses a Hall-effect sensor IC to provide extremely accurate tooth-edge detection of large-pitch targets in automotive applications.

The ATS632LSA gear-tooth sensor module from Allegro MicroSystems Europe uses a Hall-effect sensor integrated circuit to provide extremely accurate tooth-edge detection of large-pitch targets in automotive applications.

The sensor subassembly consists of a high-temperature plastic shell that holds together a compound samarium-cobalt magnet and a single-element self-calibrating Hall-effect IC that has been optimised to the magnetic circuit.

This small package, with its nonoriented operation, can be easily assembled on a printed-circuit board for complete protection, and can be used in conjunction with a number of gear configurations.

The sensor incorporates a single-element Hall IC that switches in response to absolute magnetic signals created by a ferrous target.

The digital output is low over a tooth and high over a valley.

Self-calibrating 6bit analogue/digital convertor circuitry adapts the thresholds to the peak-to-peak signals to minimise the effects of variation in application air gap on switch-point timing accuracy.

The effects of system and device offsets are minimised by using active offset cancellation circuitry.

The digital algorithm provides zero-speed detection capabilities without the associated running jitter inherent in classical digital solutions.

This sensor system is ideal for use in gathering speed, position and profile information of ferrous objects.

It is particularly suited to use in large tooth/valley sensing applications where accurate timing accuracy is a desired feature.

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