AMR and Hall Effect Sensor ICs

Depending on their design, magnetic field sensors respond to the presence or absence of a magnetic field in their surroundings. Hall sensors are among the most well-known types of magnetic field sensors. They operate based on the Hall effect, named after its discoverer.

When exposed to a magnetic field, a charge imbalance is generated within the current-carrying sensor element, resulting in a voltage difference across the sensor. Depending on the sensor design and internal circuitry, this effect triggers a switching or measurement signal.

Other types of magnetic field sensors respond to the Earth’s magnetic field and are used for position sensing, orientation and location determination.

Areas of application

  • Current measurement
  • Linear and angular position sensors
  • Laboratory technology
  • Position detection
  • Medical technology

Polarity of a Hall sensor

  • unipolar
    • Unipolar magnetic field sensors only respond to magnetic fields whose field lines penetrate the sensor from a defined direction. Only then does the sensor switch.
  • bipolar
    • In bipolar Hall sensors, the sensor responds to field lines from both directions. These sensors are often used as tachometers. There are highly sensitive magnetic field sensors that respond to the Earth's magnetic field. These sensors are typically used for position determination.
  • omnipolar
    • Omnipolar Hall effect sensors can respond to both the north and south poles of a magnet.

These highly sensitive magnetic field sensors are based on anisotropic magnetoresistive (AMR) technology. Four permalloy resistors arranged in a Wheatstone bridge form the core sensing structure and enable 1-, 2- or 3-axis measurement configurations.

The sensors are capable of measuring both the direction and magnitude of extremely small magnetic fields. Their smallest measurement range is ±200 microtesla (µT). By comparison, the Earth’s magnetic field has a strength of approximately 60 µT.

  • High flexibility
  • Smallest designs
  • Versatile assembly options
  • High sensitivity

Pressure sensors in the application

Successful partnership in door detection in the transport sector

Customized sensor solutions for truck body manufacturers

read more

Customized sensor solutions

Our experts – your solution

Our experts have been delivering intelligent solutions for more than 30 years. We develop and customise sensor solutions tailored to your requirements. Drawing on our extensive market knowledge, we identify the ideal sensor solution for every application.