Position transducers based on the Hall effect are often used in automotive and industrial products because they can provide long life at a relatively low cost. Since the sensitivity of a Hall effect element is based on measuring the magnetic field at a specific point within the device package, a single element provides for a relatively short stroke linear position sensor (less than 25mm stroke). Longer-stroke-length transducers can be made by using mechanical advantage or by incorporating an array of sensing elements, but the benefit of lower cost is then reduced. Hall effect sensors measure

* Sensor technology is an increasingly important area of research * This will be the only book entirely devoted to the topic

Without sensors most electronic applications would not exist—sensors perform a vital function, namely providing an interface to the real world. Hall effect sensors, based on a magnetic phenomena, are one of the most commonly used sensing technologies today. In the 1970s it became possible to build Hall effect sensors on integrated circuits with onboard signal processing circuitry, vastly reducing the cost and enabling widespread practical use. One of the first major applications was in computer keyboards, replacing mechanical contacts. Hundreds of millions of these devices are now manufactured each year for use in a great variety of applications, including automobiles, computers, industrial control systems, cell phones, and many others. The importance of these sensors, however, contrasts with the limited information available. Many recent advances in miniaturization, smart sensor configurations, and networkable sensor technology have led to design changes and a need for reliable information. Most of the technical information on Hall effect sensors is supplied by sensor manufacturers and is slanted toward a particular product line. System design and control engineers need an independent, readable source of practical design information and technical details that is not product- or manufacturer-specific and that shows how Hall effect sensors work, how to interface to them, and how to apply them in a variety of uses. This book covers:•the physics behind Hall effect sensors•Hall effect transducers•transducer interfacing•integrated Hall effect sensors and how to interface to them•sensing techniques using Hall effect sensors•application-specific sensor ICs•relevant development and design toolsThis second edition is expanded and updated to reflect the latest advances in Hall effect devices and applications! Information about various sensor technologies is scarce, scattered and hard to locate. Most of it is either too theoretical for working engineers, or is manufacturer literature that can't be entirely trusted. Engineers and engineering managers need a comprehensive, up-to-date, and accurate reference to use when scoping out their designs incorporating Hall effect sensors.* A comprehensive, up-to-date reference to use when crafting all kinds of designs with Hall effect sensors*Replaces other information about sensors that is too theoretical, too biased toward one particular manufacturer, or too difficult to locate*Highly respected and influential author in the burgeoning sensors community

As the definitive resource on position sensing technology, Understanding Position Sensors encompasses all aspects necessary for a full understanding of the field, with topics of background, operational theory, design, and application. While grasping the theory of technologies used in the measurement of linear and angular/rotary position sensors, the reader will also learn about terminology, interfacing, testing, and other valuable concepts that are useful in the understanding of sensors in general. The first three chapters provide readers with the necessary background information on sensors. These chapters review the working definitions and conventions used in sensing technology; specification of position sensors and the effect on performance; and sensor output types, plus an extensive section covering communication protocols. The remaining chapters describe each separate sensor technology in detail. These include resistive sensors, cable extension transducers, capacitive sensors, inductive sensors, LVDT and RVDT sensors, distributed impedance sensors, Hall effect sensors, magnetoresistive sensors, magnetostrictive sensors, linear and rotary encoders, optical triangulation position sensors, and ultrasonic position sensors. Presents sensor specification, theory of operation, sensor design, and application criteria Reviews the background history of position sensors as well as the underlying engineering techniques Includes end-of-chapter exercises Understanding Position Sensors is written for electrical, mechanical, and material engineers, as well as for engineering students who are interested in understanding sensor technologies, and can be used as a textbook for an engineering course on sensor technology.

A resource on position sensor technology, including background, operational theory, design and applications This book explains the theory and applications of the technologies used in the measurement of linear and angular/rotary position sensors. The first three chapters provide readers with the necessary background information on sensors. These chapters review: the working definitions and conventions used in sensing technology; the specifications of linear position transducers and sensors and how they affect performance; and sensor output types and communication protocols. The remaining chapters discuss each separate sensor technology in detail. These include resistive sensors, cable extension transducers, capacitive sensors, inductive sensors, LVDT and RVDT sensors, distributed impedance sensors, Hall Effect sensors, magnetoresistive sensors, magnetostrictive sensors, linear and rotary encoders, and optical triangulation position sensors. Discusses sensor specification, theory of operation, sensor design, and application criteria Reviews the background history of the linear and angular/rotary position sensors as well as the underlying engineering techniques Includes end-of-chapter exercises Position Sensors is written for electrical, mechanical, and material engineers as well as engineering students who are interested in understanding sensor technologies.

A resource on position sensor technology, including background, operational theory, design and applications This book explains the theory and applications of the technologies used in the measurement of linear and angular/rotary position sensors. The first three chapters provide readers with the necessary background information on sensors. These chapters review: the working definitions and conventions used in sensing technology; the specifications of linear position transducers and sensors and how they affect performance; and sensor output types and communication protocols. The remaining chapters discuss each separate sensor technology in detail. These include resistive sensors, cable extension transducers, capacitive sensors, inductive sensors, LVDT and RVDT sensors, distributed impedance sensors, Hall Effect sensors, magnetoresistive sensors, magnetostrictive sensors, linear and rotary encoders, and optical triangulation position sensors. Discusses sensor specification, theory of operation, sensor design, and application criteria Reviews the background history of the linear and angular/rotary position sensors as well as the underlying engineering techniques Includes end-of-chapter exercises Position Sensors is written for electrical, mechanical, and material engineers as well as engineering students who are interested in understanding sensor technologies.