A1230: Ultra-Sensitive Dual-Channel Quadrature Hall-Effect Bipolar Switch

The A1230 is a dual-channel, bipolar switch with two Hall-effect sensing elements, each providing a separate digital output for speed and direction signal processing capability. The Hall elements are photolithographically aligned to better than 1µm. Maintaining accurate mechanical location between the two active Hall elements eliminates the major manufacturing hurdle encountered in fine-pitch detection applications. The A1230 is a highly sensitive, temperature stable magnetic sensing device ideal for use in ring magnet based, speed and direction systems located in harsh automotive and industrial environments.

The A1230 monolithic integrated circuit (IC) contains two independent Hall-effect bipolar switches located 1 mm apart. The digital outputs are out of phase so that the outputs are in quadrature when interfaced with the proper ring magnet design. This allows easy processing of speed and direction signals. Extremely low-drift amplifiers guarantee symmetry between the switches to maintain signal quadrature. The Allegro patented, high-frequency chopper-stabilization technique cancels offsets in each channel providing stable operation over the full specified temperature and voltage ranges.

Additionally, the high-frequency chopping circuits allow an increased analog signal-to-noise ratio at the input of the digital comparators internal to the IC. As a result, the A1230 achieves industry-leading digital output jitter performance that is critical in high performance motor commutation applications. An on-chip low dropout (LDO) regulator allows the use of this device over a wide operating voltage range. Post-assembly factory programming at Allegro provides sensitive switchpoints that are symmetrical between the two switches.

The A1230 is available in a plastic 8-pin SOIC surface mount package (L) and a plastic 4-pin SIP (K). Both are available in a temperature range of –40°C to 150°C. Each package is lead (Pb) free, with 100% matte tin plated leadframe.