Summary of Dual-Channel Quadrature Hall-Effect Bipolar Switch Module for Magnetic Encoder
The A1230 is a dual-channel, bipolar Hall-effect switch featuring two sensing elements aligned within 1 µm for precise speed and direction detection. It includes a Magnetic Encoder, chopper-stabilization for temperature stability, an on-chip LDO regulator, and symmetrical factory-programmed switch points. Designed for harsh automotive and industrial environments, it processes quadrature signals from ring magnets to drive brushless DC motors with low jitter.
Parts used in the A1230 Project:
- Dual-channel bipolar switch
- Two Hall-effect sensing elements
- Magnetic Encoder
- Photo lithographically aligned Hall elements
- Ring magnet with alternating north and south poles
- Brushless DC motor (BLDC)
- Monolithic integrated circuit (IC)
- Extremely low-drift amplifiers
- High-frequency chopper-stabilization circuits
- On-chip low dropout (LDO) regulator
- Digital comparators
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. Additionally, it features a Magnetic Encoder for enhanced functionality. The Hall elements are photo lithographically aligned to better than 1 µm. 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 switch points that are symmetrical between the two switches.
Bipolar Switch Applications and Working from Allegro Micro
There are four general categories of Hall-effect IC devices that provide a digital output: unipolar switches, bipolar switches, omnipolar switches, and latches. Bipolar switches are described in this application note. Similar application notes on unipolar switches, omnipolar switches, and latches are provided on the Allegro™ website.
Bipolar sensor ICs are designed to be sensitive switches. (Note that the term “bipolar” refers to magnetic polarities, and is not related to bipolar semiconductor chip structures.) A bipolar switch has consistent hysteresis, but individual units have switchpoints that occur in either relatively more positive or more negative ranges. These devices find application where closely-spaced, alternating north and south poles are used, resulting in minimal required magnetic signal amplitude, ΔB, because the alternation of magnetic field polarity ensures switching, and the consistent hysteresis ensures periodicity.
Applications for detecting the position of a rotating shaft, such as in a brushless dc motor (BLDC) are shown in figure 1. The multiple magnets are incorporated into a simple structure referred to as a “ring magnet,” which incorporates alternating zones of opposing magnetic polarity. The IC package adjacent to each ring magnet is the Hall bipolar switch device. When the shaft rotates, the magnetic zones are moved past the Hall device. The device is subjected to the nearest magnetic field and is turned-on when a south field is opposite, and turned-off when a north field is opposite. Note that the branded face of the device is toward the ring magnet.
Read more: Dual-Channel Quadrature Hall-Effect Bipolar Switch Module for Magnetic Encoder
- What is the primary function of the A1230?
The A1230 provides separate digital outputs for speed and direction signal processing capability using two Hall-effect sensing elements. - How are the Hall elements aligned in the A1230?
The Hall elements are photo lithographically aligned to better than 1 µm to maintain accurate mechanical location. - Can the A1230 operate in harsh environments?
Yes, it is a highly sensitive, temperature stable device ideal for use in harsh automotive and industrial environments. - What technology cancels offsets in each channel?
The Allegro patented high-frequency chopper-stabilization technique cancels offsets to provide stable operation over full temperature and voltage ranges. - Does the A1230 require an external regulator?
No, an on-chip low dropout regulator allows the device to be used over a wide operating voltage range without external components. - How does the device ensure signal symmetry between switches?
Post-assembly factory programming at Allegro provides sensitive switch points that are symmetrical between the two switches. - What type of magnet design is used with the A1230?
A ring magnet incorporating alternating zones of opposing magnetic polarity is used to move past the Hall device as the shaft rotates. - Why is digital output jitter performance critical for this device?
Industry-leading digital output jitter performance is critical in high performance motor commutation applications.
