Allegro MicroSystems, Inc. Announces Improvements to Family of Continuous-Time Linears

Worcester, MA, Jan. 24, 2005 — Allegro MicroSystems, Inc. introduces the A1301 and A1302, improvements to its popular continuous-time linears, the world's first family of linear sensor ICs in a SOT23 package rated for operation to 150°C. Allegro was the first to offer low-noise, fast-response, continuous-time linears in the tiny SOT23W package (LH designator). The linear family has a quiescent output voltage that is 50% of the supply voltage, and output sensitivity options of 1.3 mV/G and 2.5 mV/G. The features of this family are ideal for use in linear and rotary position sensing systems over extended temperatures, to -40°C and +125°C.

The A1301 is the most sensitive device with a target of 2.5 mV per gauss while the A1302 is a 100% drop-in replacement for the A3503 with a sensitivity target of 1.3 mV per gauss. Factory programming after packaging enables the A1301/02 family of linears to outperform competitors by providing tighter quiescent output voltage and sensitivity distributions at room temperature.

Each Hall-effect integrated circuit includes a Hall sensing element, linear amplifier, and a CMOS class A output structure. Having the Hall element and an amplifier on a single chip minimizes many problems normally associated with low-level analog signals. Output precision is obtained by internal gain and offset trim adjustments made at end-of-line during the manufacturing process.

The continuous-time family is provided in a three-pin ultra-mini single inline package (UA suffix) and a three-pin surface-mount SOT23-style package (LH suffix). The three-pin mini single inline package (U suffix) and surface-mountable SOT89/TO-243AA (suffix LT) transistor package will only be available to existing customers already using those two packages in production and who are unable to use the UA or LH.

About Allegro

Allegro MicroSystems, Inc. is a leader in developing, manufacturing and marketing high-performance power and Hall-effect sensor integrated circuits. Allegro's innovative solutions serve high-growth applications within the automotive, communications, computer/office automation, consumer and industrial markets. Allegro is headquartered in Worcester, Massachusetts (USA) with design and applications centers located in North and South America, Asia, and Europe. Further information about Allegro can be found at www.allegromicro.com.

Editorial Contact:
Stephanie Fennelly
Director - Marketing Communications
Tel: (508) 854-5363
sfennelly@allegromicro.com