Site
Map • Contact
Us 
Worcester, MA, May 21, 2002 Allegro MicroSystems, Inc. announces the release of its next generation true zero speed, high accuracy, gear-tooth speed sensor. This new sensor is an optimized Hall IC and magnet configured in a single over-molded package that provides a user-friendly solution. The differential Hall element configuration is superior to a classical single element gear-tooth sensor in most applications because it eliminates the variation in the back-biased field. The digital processing of the analog signal makes zero-speed possible and improves performance and reliability of the device.
The ATS665 device is offered in the "SG", a single step over-molded package, which consists of a samarium cobalt magnet and a Hall-Effect IC. The "SG" package provides an optimized magnetic solution for digital gear-tooth sensing applications and eliminates the presence of air voids that can be problematic during potting or over-molding. The close proximity of the magnet to the IC provides excellent heat sinking, permitting higher operating temperatures in a smaller user-friendly package.
The use of this sensor is simple. When power is applied to the component, and after a short calibration cycle, the sensor is capable of providing digital information that is representative of the profile of a rotating gear. No additional optimization is needed and minimal processing circuitry is required.
The most significant advantage of the ATS665 is its insensitivity to air-gap variation. The algorithm of this device tracks the peaks of the signal and sets the switching thresholds, which are established as a percentage of peaks, maintaining switch points around the zero crossing. The higher resolution DAC steps minimize the impact of signal variation on switching accuracy.
Allegro's new gear-tooth sensor is targeted to meet the needs of the industrial and automotive markets with end applications to include: industrial machinery, industrial speed sensing applications, treadmills, transmissions, power boats, golf carts, scooters and alternators/generators.
Allegro MicroSystems, Inc. is a leading supplier of advanced mixed-signal power semiconductors and Hall-effect sensors targeted toward the computer/office, automotive, industrial, telecommunication and consumer markets. With over 2,400 employees, Allegro is headquartered in Worcester, MA and operates multiple wafer-fabrication plants worldwide. Further information on Allegro can be found at www.allegromicro.com.
Editorial Contact:
Stephanie Fennelly
Director – Marketing Communications
Tel: (508) 854-5363
sfennelly@allegromicro.com
Technical Contact:
Dan Dwyer
Systems Engineer
Tel: (603) 228-5533
ddwyer@allegromicro.com