Magnetoresistive Sensor ICs suit battery-operated equipment.

May 29, 2014 - Supplied in subminiatureSOT-23 surface mount package, Nanopower Anisotropic Magnetoresistive Sensor ICs feature solid state, non-contact design and are suitable for battery powered applications where previously only reed switches could be used. Model SM351LT provides magnetic sensitivity as low as 7 Gauss with current draw of 360 nA, while Model SM353LT offers sensitivity down to 14 Gauss with current draw of 310 nA. Omnipolarity allows sensors to be activated by north or south pole. Honeywell International 14503-T Bammel North Houston Rd., Suite 300 Houston, TX, 77014 USA Press release date: May 19, 2014

High sensitivity allows design engineers to reduce system costs Nanopower allows for use in battery operated equipment with extremely low power requirements Solid state, non-contact design provides a reliable, durable alternative to reed switches

MINNEAPOLIS Honeywell (NYSE:HON) today introduced the industrys first Nanopower Anisotropic Magnetoresistive Sensor ICs that provide the highest level of magnetic sensitivity (as low as 7 Gauss typical) while requiring nanopower (360 nA). When compared to other widely used magnetic technologies, these sensors offer design engineers a number of advantages.

Smaller and more durable and reliable than reed switches, at the same sensitivity and essentially the same cost, the new Nanopower Series Magnetoresistive Sensor ICs are ideal for battery powered applications where previously only reed switches could be used due to very low power requirements and large air gap needs.

Compared with Hall-effect sensors, the new Nanopower Series Magnetoresistive Sensor ICs higher sensitivity can allow the ability to sense air gaps two times the distance of Hall-effect sensors. The higher sensitivity improves design flexibility and can offer significant application cost savings by utilizing smaller or lower strength magnets.

The Nanopower Series Magnetoresistive Sensor ICs are designed for use in a wide range of battery-operated applications including water and gas meters, electricity meters, industrial smoke detectors, exercise equipment, security systems, handheld computers, scanners, as well as white goods such as dishwashers, microwaves, washing machines, refrigerators and coffee machines, and medical equipment such as hospital beds, medication dispensing cabinets, infusion pumps, and consumer electronics such as notebook computers, tablets, and cordless speakers.

Due to the significant price increases for rare earth magnets, design engineers using Hall-effect sensors have been looking for ways to decrease the total cost of design by using less magnetic material, or moving to a more common magnet in their applications, said Josh Edberg, senior product marketing manager for Honeywell Sensing and Control. Design engineers are also looking for an alternative to reed switches to reduce size and increase quality and durability, while maximizing battery life. Honeywells new Nanopower Series Magnetoresistive Sensor ICs are ideal for these battery powered applications due to their high sensitivity and nanopower.

The Nanopower Series is available in two magnetic sensitivities: -- Ultra-high sensitivity SM351LT: 7 Gauss typical operate, 11 Gauss maximum operate, very low current draw (360 nA typical) -- Very high sensitivity SM353LT: 14 Gauss typical operate, 20 Gauss maximum operate, very low current draw (310 nA typical)

Omnipolarity allows the sensor to be activated by either a north or south pole, eliminating the need for the magnet polarity to be identified, simplifying installation and potentially reducing system cost. The push-pull (CMOS) output does not require external resistors, making it easier and more cost-effective to operate. The non-chopper stabilized design eliminates electrical noise generated by the sensor. The subminiature SOT-23 surface mount package, supplied on tape and reel (3000 units per reel), is smaller than most reed switches, allowing for use in automated pick-and-place component installation and can reduce production costs.

About Honeywell International Honeywell (www.honeywell.com) is a Fortune 100 diversified technology and manufacturing leader, serving customers worldwide with aerospace products and services; control technologies for buildings, homes and industry; turbochargers; and performance materials. Based in Morris Township, N.J., Honeywells shares are traded on the New York, London, and Chicago Stock Exchanges.

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Magnetoresistive Sensor ICs suit battery-operated equipment.