5 Uses of 3D Magnetic Sensors in Industry

This page covers the basics of 3D magnetic sensors, including application notes and a list of manufacturers. As the name suggests, a magnetic sensor measures magnetic fields.

A 3D magnetic sensor measures the magnetic field (H-field) in three dimensions: X, Y, and Z. This makes them suitable for a variety of consumer and industrial applications, such as Control elements in white goods, Joysticks, Multi-function knobs, Electric meters etc.

3D Magnetic Sensor Application Note

Infineon has recently released a 3D magnetic sensor with extremely low power consumption. It consists of three major functional blocks:

• Sensing part: This unit consists of probes connected sequentially to a Multiplexer (MUX), which is then connected to an Analog-to-Digital Converter (ADC).
• I2C interface: This provides a standard digital communication interface for easy integration with microcontrollers and other systems.
• Power mode control system: This manages the power distribution within the IC, includes a power-on reset function, and provides a low-power oscillator as a clock reference.

Key features of this 3D magnetic sensor include:

• 10µA consumption during normal operation
• 12-bit resolution
• Digital output using the I2C interface
• Variable frequency and power mode settings, configurable during operation
• Linear field measurements up to +/- 150 mT

3D Magnetic Sensor Manufacturers/Vendors

Here are some popular manufacturers and vendors of magnetic sensors:

• Micro Magnetics
• Infineon
• Fraunhofer IIS
• Melexis Semiconductors
• Sensixs Design

5 Uses of 3D Magnetic Sensors

Following are 5 real world applications of 3D magnetic sensors in industry.

1. Automotive steering and Pedal Position Detection : These sensors are widely used in vehicles to measure steering wheel angle, brake pedal, throttle valve position and gear shifter movement. They are essential components in advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS) and autonomous driving systems.
2. Robotics and Industrial Automation : These sensors track position and orientation of robotic arms and tools with accuracy in order of sub-millimeter range.
3. Medical Devices and Surgical Instruments : These sensors are integrated in surgical tools and MRI devices. It provides real time position tracking with resolution at micron level.
4. Consumer Electronics Hinge and Gesture Detection : These sensors detect multi-axis hinge angles and hand gestures. They are used in foldable smartphones and VR controllers.
5. Energy & heavy Machinery control : They have ability to measure position vectors in harsh conditions such as extreme temperature, vibration and dust. Hence they are used in valves, wind turbine pitch and yaw control and grid disconnect switches.

Conclusion: 3D magnetic sensors deliver precise, contactless and robust position/orientation feedback across diverse industries.