TDK introduces a new, powerful, and cost-efficient Hall-effect 2D position sensor family for automotive applications

– HAL/HAR 35xy* is an ASIL C-capable, rugged, Hall-effect 2D position sensor family with extended functions for safety-critical automotive applications
– The new sensors include a single-die variant (HAL 3550) and a dual-die variant (HAR 3550) with analog (linear, ratiometric) and digital (PWM, SENT & Switch) output interfaces
– The new sensors represent a more cost-effective version of the Micronas flagship sensor family HAL/HAR 39xy with the same performance and functional safety
– Main target applications are steering wheel angle, brake and accelerator pedal positions, valve positions, and chassis position detection

The TDK Corporation presents the rugged Micronas HAL/HAR 35xy* 2D Hall-effect position sensor family for automotive and industrial applications. These new sensors build on the success of the HAL/HAR 39xy series and offer extended functions and capabilities to meet the increasing demand for rugged 2D position sensing in linear and rotary applications. While the HAL/HAR 39xy family focuses on high flexibility, diverse functions and interfaces, and superior performance, the HAL/HAR 35xy series is designed for mainstream applications requiring basic functionality with reduced flexibility, while maintaining high standards in functional safety and performance. Thanks to their versatile programmability, high precision, and ISO 26262 compliance, the HAL/HAR 35xy series offers a potential solution for safety-critical automotive applications. These include sensors for accelerator and brake pedal positions, brake stroke sensors, steering angle detection, throttle valve positions, gear position, contactless potentiometers, transmission position detection, and chassis height measurement.** Production is scheduled to start in June 2025, with samples already available.

The first sensors in the new family include the HAL 3550, a single-die version, and the HAR 3550, a dual-die version that provides full redundancy with two independent sensors in a single package. This sensor family is designed to meet the strict requirements for functional safety in ISO 26262-compliant product development. The HAL 3550 and HAR 3550 are defined as Safety Elements out of Context (SEooC) and are ASIL C ready, making them suitable for integration into safety-critical automotive systems up to ASIL D.

HAL 3550 and HAR 3550 are high-resolution position sensors developed for precise measurements. They feature a linear, ratiometric analog output with passive wire break detection and configurable PWM or SENT outputs. The SENT output supports messages with or without pause pulses and complies with SAE J2716 Rev. 4 standard, with adjustable parameters such as tick time and frame format. The PWM output allows frequencies from 0.1 kHz to 2 kHz. Additionally, the HAL/HAR 3550 provides a switch output (Open-Drain). The switching point is derived from the calculated position information or other sources along the signal path, such as temperature or magnetic field amplitude. Customers can define turn-on/turn-off points, switching logic, and polarity to tailor them to their specific application requirements.

The sensors can measure a full 360° angle range and linear movement of a magnet, making them particularly suitable for chassis position applications, as they feature a modulo function that divides the 360° measurement range into sub-segments of 90°, 120°, or 180°.

Using Hall technology, the HAL/HAR 3550 measures vertical and horizontal magnetic field components and effectively suppresses external magnetic interference with an array of Hall elements. For rotary angle measurement, a simple, cost-effective two-pole ferrite magnet is sufficient, ideally positioned at the shaft end in a configuration. The sensors also support rugged field measurements alongside rotating shafts.

On-chip signal processing functions enable the calculation of an angle per chip from the magnetic field components. This information is then converted into an analog or digital output signal. Key parameters such as gain, offset, and reference position can be adjusted via a programmable, non-volatile memory along the magnetic circuit.

The sensors are designed for both automotive and industrial applications and operate within an ambient temperature range of –40 °C to 150 °C. They are available in an SOIC8 SMD package for the single-die version and a TSSOP16 SMD package for the dual-die version.