Magnetic Position Sensor Solution

Magnetic position sensors offer space and weight savings for household appliances and toys. They can replace unreliable mechanical switches, thereby enhancing the overall product reliability.

Since the invention of silicon chips, electronic engineers have been utilizing the so-called "solid-state" technology in the semiconductor field to replace bulky mechanical devices. 

Within a wide range of electronic products, compact electronic components like the AS5600 magnetic rotational position sensor offer advantages in terms of space and weight.

The AS5600 can replace mechanical switches, buttons, and knobs in smart home devices and consumer electronics such as washing machines, refrigerators, robots, or toys. 

This sensor improves the performance of electronic devices and enhances their reliability and durability by eliminating failures caused by friction or wear, which are common in similar mechanical products. 

Furthermore, the space and weight advantages result in cost savings in terms of materials and transportation from factory to consumer.

Why Home Appliance Manufacturers are Adopting Non-contact Technology

Traditional buttons, switches, or sensors operate through mechanisms where, for instance, pressing a button compresses a spring behind it, transferring the force of the finger to an actuator that records the button press. 

With each press, the metallic spring undergoes repeated stress until it eventually fails.

Even before metal fatigue causes the spring to break, mechanical devices can become blocked by dust, dirt, grease, or other contaminants, rendering them unable to trigger the actuator.

The AS5600 non-contact magnetic position sensor detects the rotational movement of a magnet with two poles parallel to the surface of the chip. 

Without any mechanical connection, there is no material wear and no susceptibility to contamination.

Position sensor systems based on the AS5600 can operate millions of times without any performance degradation over their lifespan. 

Another version of this product, the AS5601, can also detect vertical movement, making it suitable for buttons and rotary switches.

All versions help product manufacturers achieve space-saving designs: both the AS5600 and AS5601 are available in a 4.9mm × 6.0mm SOIC-8 package. 

The AS5600L is also offered in this package and can even be obtained in a smaller chip-scale package with dimensions of just 2.1mm x 2.6mm.

Due to its low power mode, the AS5600 is even suitable for battery-powered devices when the sensor is not in use. 

The low power consumption also helps manufacturers meet higher efficiency rating requirements, such as the new energy efficiency labeling scheme implemented by the European Union for consumer electronic products in March 2021.

Unique Reliability: Immune to Stray Magnetic Field Interference

In household appliances, powerful motors generate magnetic fields that can interfere with the operation of magnetic position sensor systems. 

To mitigate this issue, each magnetic position sensor from AMS Semiconductors incorporates a unique differential sensing technology that automatically eliminates the influence of all external magnetic fields. 

This technology ensures that the sensor only operates when there are magnetic field changes caused by the movement of the target magnet.

To achieve smooth motion in home robotic arms or precisely detect the position of program selection knobs on washing machines, the AS5600 employs a high-speed on-chip processor. 

This processor performs complex calculations required to convert magnetic field measurements into accurate angle measurements.

Advantages Overview

The compact AS5600 offers reliable performance, low power consumption, immunity to stray magnetic field interference, and a highly competitive price.