Magnetic Sensors - Linear, Compass (ICs)

This Product Selection Guide contains information to help select products in the Magnetic Sensors - Linear, Compass (ICs) category on DigiKey.com

Products in the Linear, Compass Integrated Circuit (IC) category are designed to measure the strength of a magnetic field as a variable quantity, as contrasted with similar products that simply detect the presence of a magnetic field having a strength in excess of some limiting value. A common application involves the measurement of the earth’s magnetic field for direction finding purposes in a manner similar to a traditional compass, and some devices designed to allow measurements to be directly read in terms of physical orientation relative to a magnetic field are available.


SelectionCharacteristics

Specifications to determine which linear compass IC is right for your application.

Technology: How the components within the IC are laid out to detect the magnetic field strength, such as magnetoresistive or hall effect technology.

Axis: Identifies the number of orthogonal planes in 3-dimensional space for which a device provides a sensing or input capability.

Output Type: Indicates the type of electrical signal the device provides, such as
analog current, analog voltage, etc.

Sensing Range: Indicates the range(s) of a physical input quantity over which a device is capable of producing a valid measurement.

Voltage Supply: Typically represented by a range, this indicates the low and high voltage limits which one can expect standard operation. Voltages outside this range may damage the device and other system components.

Current - Supply (Max): This represents the maximum current to which a device will meet its given specifications. Exceeding this current may damage the device and/or other system components.

Current - Output (Max): The maximum amount of current that can be output by the device.

Resolution: The smallest change in the magnetic field that can be detected by the IC.

Bandwidth: The range of frequencies over which the device is designed to operate.

Operating Temperature: Recommended operating temperature, typically given in a range or as a maximum. Exceeding these temperatures may affect performance or damage the device and other system components.

Features: These are different capabilities or properties of the device such as
programmable, sleep mode, etc.

Supplier Device Package: This is what the manufacturer calls the package of this device. They are manufacturer specific. It is typically best to use the actual dimensions from the datasheets rather than to go by this terminology when designing your circuit.

Mounting Type: Indicates how the device is attached.

Package/Case: Indicates the type of protective case used on an electronic component to allow easy handling, installation, and protection. This selection was determined to be the closest industry standard applicable to the suppliers device packaging. Typically it is best to check the actual dimensions from the datasheet rather than depend on this terminology when designing your circuit.


ProductExamples


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MFR PART # SI7210-B-04-IVR
DIGI-KEY PART # 336-4129-2-ND - Tape & Reel (TR)
MANUFACTURER Silicon Labs
DESCRIPTION Hall Effect Sensor Single Axis SOT-23-5
DATASHEET Click Here

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MFR PART # AS5510-DWLM
DIGI-KEY PART # AS5510-DWLMTR-ND - Tape & Reel (TR)
MANUFACTURER ams
DESCRIPTION Hall Effect Sensor Single Axis 6-WLCSP (1.5x1.1)
DATASHEET Click Here

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MFR PART # HAL2455UT-A
DIGI-KEY PART # HAL2455UT-ACT-ND - Cut Tape (CT)
MANUFACTURER TDK-Micronas GmbH
DESCRIPTION Sensor Axis TO-92-3
DATASHEET Click Here

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MFR PART # HMC1052L-TR
DIGI-KEY PART # 342-1042-2-ND - Tape & Reel (TR)
MANUFACTURER Honeywell Aerospace
DESCRIPTION Magnetoresistive Sensor X, Y Axis 16-LCC
DATASHEET Click Here

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MFR PART # HMC1051Z-RC
DIGI-KEY PART # 342-1034-5-ND
MANUFACTURER Honeywell Aerospace
DESCRIPTION SENSOR MR WHEAT BRIDGE 8PIN
DATASHEET Click Here

MediaLinks


Videos
Videos on Linear Compasses

Articles
Articles on Linear Compasses

Product Training Modules
Product Training Modules on Linear Compasses

TechForum
TechForum posts on Linear Compasses

If you have any questions on the specifications for selecting a Linear Compass, IC, please reply using the button below. If you have questions on a linear compass IC please post those questions in the Sensors, Transducers category.