High-Precision Magnetoresistive Sensor Signal Conditioning IC
ZMD AG (ZMDI) today announces the ZSSC5101, an automotive-qualified sensor signal conditioning IC for contactless position sensors based on magnetoresistive technology. The ZSSC5101 can directly interface with magnetoresistive sensor bridges such as AMR (anisotropic magnetoresistive), GMR (giant magnetoresistive) and TMR (tunnel magnetoresistive) sensors, enabling up to 360 degree angle sensors or high-resolution linear motion sensors.
In addition, the chip automatically compensates for temperature drifts of the sensor, allowing superior accuracy over its full temperature range of -40 to +150 degrees C. With a high-resolution ratiometric analog output featuring a resolution down to 0.02 degrees per step, the ZSSC5101 is well-suited as a contactless, wear-free replacement of potentiometers in harsh environments.
"With over 50 years of industry leadership, ZMDI has a long history with designing custom solutions for position sensing and has already sold nearly 200 million products for a wide range of magnetoresistive position sensing applications. With the ZSSC5101, we are proud to introduce the first standard product in ZMDI's high-precision, magnetic position sensor signal conditioner family," said Josef Janisch, Global Product Manager for ZMDI's Position Sensor ICs. "We can enable the most precise integrated magnetic position sensors available today; for example, using the latest AMR sensing technology. With an angular accuracy of 0.1 degrees (typical) or better, these sensors are up to 10 times more accurate than comparable integrated solutions. Furthermore, our unique implementation of automatic drift compensation provides high accuracy over the full automotive temperature range."
Features and benefits include: High accuracy enables best-in-class rotation and linear motion sensing; Only three wires required for operation and programming; Integrated diagnostic features allow usage in safety-critical applications; Internal EEPROM allows multiple-time programming; Full user programmability of angle range, zero position clamping levels, etc.; High-resolution, precision analog output provides an easy-to-read interface for a variety of applications, such as pedals, valves, robot arms and more.
The ZSSC5101 is in full production. It is available in the SSOP-14 package and as sawn bare die and tested unsawn wafers. Parts and evaluation kits are available from ZMDI and its distribution partners.
