Linear sensors

Highly accurate, analog or digital linear magnetic position sensors

Magnetic linear position sensors are programmable analog or digital sensors for highly accurate angular and linear position detection in automotive and industrial applications. They are used to detect the position of a rotating or linear object, such as a shaft or piston. The position measurement with a linear (Hall) sensor can be either absolute or incremental. Absolute linear sensors provide an output that corresponds to the absolute position of the object being measured, while incremental linear sensors provide an output that corresponds to the velocity and direction of movement of the object being measured.

Linear sensors are available in a variety of different configurations, such as Hall effect and TMR based. In automotive applications, linear Hall effect sensors are used in electric power steering (EPS) applications or to detect the position of the throttle, clutch, or brakes, for example. In industrial applications, they are used to detect the position of conveyor belts, cylinders, gears, and other moving objects.

Ideal for angular & linear position detection and current measurement

Infineon's TLE499x linear Hall IC family is ideal for demanding angular and linear position detection and current measurement applications. We designed our sensors to measure the vertical component of a magnetic field and generate a signal directly proportional to it. For a perfect fit to varying applications, the sensor has programmable signal conditioning like clamping, low pass filtering, or gain adjustment. Our portfolio includes three different interface options: PWM, SENT, and SPC. 

When it comes to torque sensing via steering torque sensors, Infineon's TLE499x series of highly accurate linear Hall sensors are designed for such applications. These linear Hall effect sensors also support PWM, SENT, SPC, or ratiometric analog output to maximize compatibility with a variety of ECU designs. Single-sensor-led packages and dual- or single-sensor packages are also offered.

Hall effect technology ensures high-sensitivity & exceptional accuracy

In addition to the associated electronic circuitry, a linear sensor generally consists of a sensing element, such as a magnetoresistive element or a Hall effect device. Infineon utilizes Hall sensor technology for all linear sensors, ensuring continuously high sensing performance with exceptional accuracy.

A Hall effect linear position sensor is a semiconductor device that produces a voltage proportional to the applied magnetic field. When placed in a magnetic field, the device generates a small voltage across its terminals. The amount of voltage generated depends on the strength of the magnetic field and the properties of the material from which the device is made. A Hall effect sensor can be used to measure both static and non-static (or changing) magnetic fields. Static magnetic fields are generated by permanent magnets, while non-static magnetic fields are generated by moving electric charges. Hall effect linear position sensors offer many advantages over other types of position sensors, including high accuracy, high resolution, no abrasion, wide operating temperature range, immunity to EMI/RFI, resistance to harsh environments, and low cost.

Linear sensors for a variety of automotive system applications

Linear sensors play an important role in a variety of automotive applications. One common use is to measure the position of throttle and pedal controls and subsequently provide data to the ECU to determine the quantity of fuel to inject. Further applications include use in automatic transmission systems such as gear shift detection, clutch pedal position sensing, and brake sensing. In automotive suspension systems, magnetic linear sensors are used to measure the travel of shock absorbers to adjust damping for automated headlight adjustment.

For high-precision, motion-sensing industry and consumer applications

Linear magnetic field sensors are used across a broad range of position and motion-sensing applications for both manufacturers and consumers. The manufacturing industry use linear sensors to measure the position of objects in assembly lines and automated equipment. Consumer applications include the use of these sensors in devices such as printers, photocopiers, 3D scanners, joysticks, and other high-precision applications.