Magnetic sensors are perfect when you need long-life, low power consumption, and high sensitivity, and Honeywell nanopower and micropower omnipolar Hall-effect sensor ICs are great for battery-powered devices and brushless DC motor (BLDC) applications.

They  can lengthen the life of battery powered devices, an especially important benefit where reliable, long-life operation for on/off, position, and tamper detection applications can be a key differentiator.

In BLDC applications, they enable more efficient operation.  The right bipolar latching Hall-effect sensor IC used for electronic commutation these motors provides long-lived, highly accurate reliability, and dependable performance. 

BLDC motors are highly efficient, delivering more energy per unit when compared to brush-type DC motors because they use electronic commutation of the windings instead of the mechanical commutation in brush-type DC motors.

Since no slip rings or brushes are used for commutation in BLDC motors, there can be no friction or power loss through carbon buildup and electrical noise.  Electronic commutation also offers greater flexibility in interfacing directly with digital commands. Latching Hall-effect sensors are used to measure the motor’s position, which is communicated to the electronic controller to apply energy to the motor at the right time and right orientation. 

The long, maintenance-free life offered by BLDC motors makes them great options for any application that needs a quiet, efficient, reliable, long-lasting motor.  Their durability makes them ideal for critical portable medical equipment such as kidney dialysis pumps, blood processing equipment, infusion pumps and other devices; ventilation blowers for aircraft, marine submersible motors, robotics, HVAC fans, and appliances, especially those whose motors are in hard-to-access locations.

Honeywell offers several Hall-effect Sensor ICs that provide high magnetic sensitivity over a wide temperature range without chopper stabilization of the Hall element, which has several drawbacks including slower response time, errors in accuracy, and electrical noise generation.

Combined with a faster latch response time and the capability to handle higher frequencies, these latching Hall-effect sensor ICs significantly contribute to higher motor efficiency. 

Batteries for smart gas meters, for example, are frequently expected to last up to 10 years. This results in ultra-low power consumption requirements for components used in these meters, along with specifications for design flexibility, durability, accuracy, and small size. In these meters, Hall-effect sensor ICs use contactless sensing to detect the magnetic flux from magnets within the meter. In addition, these ICs can be used to count pulses and act as an external field anti-tamper switch. For home security applications, particularly on doors and windows, Honeywell nanopower and micropower sensor ICs detect the presence or absence of a magnet to indicate whether the door or window is open or closed.

These sensors must be small enough to be nearly invisible when mounted in window and door frames, feature high sensitivity for large tolerances, and draw low power to increase battery life. In small consumer appliances like blenders and coffee machines, they can be used to ensure that lids and containers are positioned correctly before a motor or circuit is engaged; electric toothbrushes can incorporate the same concept for on/off control as well as confirming proper seating for charging.

These sensors are also preferred for larger white goods like refrigerators, freezers, and other appliances that can use lots of energy that often make them not very environmentally responsible. For example, mechanical switches in these appliances can be replaced with solid state sensors for longer life and even better reliability for door position, ice and water fill-level and pitcher presence detection, and many other consumer-focused outputs and alerts for easier, more informed operation.

Offering offer low power consumption and high sensitivity, Honeywell nanopower and micropower omnipolar Hall-effect sensor ICs lengthen the life of battery powered devices, an especially important benefit where reliable, long-life operation for on/off, position, and tamper detection applications can be a key differentiator.

Contact Honeywell today to learn more about our omnipolar magnetic sensor ICs for battery-operated equipment.