Hall-effect switches save space

Diodes Inc. has launched two new families of monolithic, unipolar Hall-effect switches for proximity sensing in battery-powered applications. The AH138x/AH139x Hall-effect switches offer an ultra-low 1.1-µA supply current at 1.85 V and 1.6 µA at 1.6 V to 5.5 V. Battery-powered applications include smartphones, laptops, and wearables. They also can be used in domestic appliances, game consoles and industrial hardware.

AH138x/AH139x Hall-effect switches (Source: Diodes Inc.)

The 1.6-V to 5.5-V operating voltage allows the Hall switches to be powered directly from a portable device’s battery, which eliminates the area and cost of power conversion, said Diodes. For the dual-output AH139x series, Output 1 responds to a North pole, while Output 2 responds to a South pole with typical operating points of 25G (AH1391) and 30G (AH1392). The single output on the AH138x series responds to a South pole on the part-marking side with typical operating points of 18G (AH1381), 30G (AH1382) and 45G (AH1383).

The Hall switches feature a chopper-stabilized design that provides minimal switch point drift and higher temperature stability. In addition, they offer a tight operating window to ensure a lower magnetic spread.

With push-pull outputs, the Hall switches do not require an external pull-up resistor, which simplifies system design, saves board space and lowers the bill of materials, said Diodes.

All the new devices are available in the industry’s smallest packages (DFN1010-4 and DFN1410-4). The AH1381, AH1382, and AH1383 versions are also available in SOT23 packages. Human body model (HBM) electrostatic discharge (ESD) protection includes 8 kV for the AH138x and 6 kV for the AH139x series.

In quantities of 1,000, the AH138x series is available in DFN packages at $0.17 and in SOT23 packages at $0.16. The AH139x series is available in DFN packages at $0.18 in quantities of 1,000. The company provides a Hall-effect sensor part selector to help choose the right part for your application.