Analog Speed Sensor has self-calibrating design.

Press Release Summary:



Suited for non-TPOS camshaft applications, ATS616LSG peak-detecting device uses automatic gain control and integrated tracking capacitor to provide gear-edge detection down to low operating speeds. Sensor subassembly consists of samarium-cobalt magnet, pole piece, and differential open-collector Hall IC. Processing circuitry contains ADC that self-calibrates internal gain of device, and peak-detecting filter circuit eliminates magnet and system offsets.



Original Press Release:


Allegro Microsystems, Inc. Introduces Analog Self-Calibrating Speed Sensor


Integrated tracking capacitor allows for ease of use

Worcester, MA, June 15, 2005 - Allegro MicroSystems, Inc. announces an innovative addition to its cutting-edge speed-sensing solutions, the ATS616LSG. This sensor is a proven solution for non-TPOS camshaft applications, providing improved EMC and ESD, and eliminating the need for an external switching capacitor. The ATS616LSG also has the advantage of the smaller integrated GTS package, while maintaining the key specifications of the ATS612LSB, like airgap range and high timing accuracy.

Allegro's newest addition is a peak-detecting device that uses automatic gain control and an integrated capacitor to provide extremely accurate gear-edge detection down to low operating speeds. Each sensor subassembly consists of a high-temperature plastic shell that holds together a samarium-cobalt magnet, a pole piece, and a differential open-collector Hall IC that has been optimized to the magnetic circuit. The small package can be easily assembled and used in conjunction with a wide variety of gear shapes and sizes.

The gear-sensing technology used for this sensor subassembly is Hall-effect-based. The sensor incorporates a dual-element Hall IC that switches in response to differential magnetic signals created by ferrous targets. The sophisticated processing circuitry contains an A/D converter that self-calibrates (normalizes) the internal gain of the device to minimize the effect of airgap variations. The patented peak-detecting filter circuit eliminates magnet and system offsets, and has the ability to discriminate relatively fast changes such as those caused by tilt, gear wobble, and eccentricities, yet provides stable operation to extremely low RPM.

This sensor system is ideal for use in gathering speed, position and timing information using gear-tooth-based configurations. The ATS616LSG is particularly suited to those applications that require extremely accurate edge detection such as in automotive camshaft applications. Supplied in an SG package, the ATS616LSG will have a 22-week leadtime to market, and is priced at $2.43 for quantities of 10,000.

Allegro MicroSystems, Inc. is a supplier of advanced mixed-signal power semiconductors and Hall-effect sensors targeted toward the automotive, communications, computer/office automation, consumer and industrial markets. It maintains a leadership position in the integrated magnetic sensor and integrated motor driver product segments. With more than 2,000 employees, Allegro is headquartered in Worcester, MA. Further information about Allegro, including free samples of our products, can be found at www.allegromicro.com.

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