TMR Sensors for Rotary Position Sensing With Sub-Degree Accuracy
Littelfuse expands its sensor portfolio with two new TMR-based magnetic angle sensors, offering high precision and minimal thermal drift for 0-360° angular measurement.
The demand for precise and reliable angular position sensing is growing across a range of industries, from automotive systems to industrial automation and consumer electronics. Littelfuse, a key player in circuit protection and sensing technologies, has introduced two new magnetic angle sensors, the LF53466 and LF53464, which leverage Tunneling Magnetoresistance (TMR) technology to deliver high-precision performance with minimal thermal drift.
An Innovative Configuration Promoting Precision and Accuracy
Both the LF53466 and LF53464 sensors are designed to measure a full 360° of rotation, utilizing a dual push-pull Wheatstone bridge configuration. This setup allows them to provide a robust differential sinusoidal and cosinusoidal output, which can be processed by a microcontroller to determine the absolute angular position. The use of TMR technology is a significant advantage, as it offers a higher signal-to-noise ratio and greater sensitivity compared to older Hall-effect or anisotropic magnetoresistive sensors, particularly in applications where stray magnetic fields might be present.
New Littelfuse TMR-based sensors are resistant to temperature fluctuations and magnetic interference. Image used courtesy of Littelfuse.
The LF53466 is offered in a TSSOP8 package and is designed for applications where exceptional performance is critical, such as automotive systems. It achieves an impressive angle error of less than 0.8°, a key metric for applications like steering wheel angle and pedal position sensing, where high accuracy directly impacts system control and safety. Its packaging and performance are tailored to meet the stringent requirements of the automotive industry.
Multiple Footprint Configurations With Wide Voltage Compatibility
For applications where space is at a premium, the LF53464 comes in a smaller LGA8L package. This version pushes the accuracy even further, with an angle error of less than 0.6°. The compact size and high precision make it an ideal fit for rotary encoders in industrial equipment, as well as for position sensing in power tools and other space-constrained consumer devices. The smaller footprint allows designers to create more compact end products without compromising on performance.
The sensors boast impressive thermal drift compensation and full 360 angular measurement, making them ideal for systems requiring constant feedback, like robotic arm control and position sensing. Image used courtesy of Adobe Stock.
A shared characteristic of both sensors is their wide supply voltage compatibility and excellent compensation for thermal drift. In environments where temperature can fluctuate, thermal drift can introduce significant errors in sensor readings. By minimizing this effect, the LF53466 and LF53464 ensure consistent and reliable performance across their operational temperature range, reducing the need for complex software compensation or recalibration.
Summary
These new TMR sensors from Littelfuse provide engineers with a pair of highly accurate, reliable, and compact solutions for angular position sensing. The choice between the two will depend on the specific application’s requirements for footprint and overall system integration, but both sensors offer a compelling combination of TMR technology benefits and robust design for a new generation of high-precision control systems.
