Allegro MicroSystems Debuts A3212 Hall-Effect Switch

Allegro MicroSystems Inc. (Worcester, MA) introduced its next-generation, omnipolar A3212, an ultra-sensitive, pole-independent, Hall-effect switch with a latched digital output. The A3212 provides improved magnetic sensitivity with minimal switch-point shifts over temperature.

The A3212 features 2.5V to 3.5V battery operation and a unique clocking scheme to reduce the average operating power requirements to less than 15µW with a 2.75V supply. Unlike other Hall-effect switches, either a north or south pole of sufficient strength will turn the output on; in the absence of a magnetic field, the output is off. The polarity independence and minimal power requirements allow the devices to easily replace reed switches for reliability and ease of manufacturing, while eliminating the requirement for signal conditioning.

The sensor is suitable for operation in battery-operated, hand-held equipment, or any portable or battery-operated device using a contactless switch such as flip phones, pagers, personal organizers, laptops and palm computers.

The A3212 is supplied in a three-lead, ultra-mini SIP for through-hole or surface mounting, as well as a three-lead, miniature, low-profile, surface-mount package. The A3212 has a five-week lead time to market and is priced at $0.50 for the "E" temperature range (-40 to +85 degrees C) and $0.69 for the "L" temperature range (-40 to +150 degrees C) in quantities of 10,000.