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Popular Sensor Reference Designs
• Analog Sensor Amplifier
• Analog sensor amplification and conditioning with an inexpensive microcontroller
• Buffer Amplifier for TMR Angle Sensor
• 4x Amplifier for Tunneling TMR Angle Sensor
• Differential Amplifier for TMR Angle Sensor
• Variable Threshold Magnetic Switch
• Angular Reference Point for TMR Angle Sensor
• Digital Speed and Direction Signals for Gear-Tooth Sensors
• Digital Speed and Direction Signals for Angle Sensors
• 2 Cycles/Revolution Speed Signals for Angle Sensors
• Quadrant Outputs for Angle Sensors
• Overcurrent Sensor
• Power Driver for AFL-, ADL-, and AHT-Series GMR Switches
• Output Invertors for Low-Voltage Sensors
• Three-Wire Magnetic Proximity Sensor
• High Output Drive Three-Wire Magnetic Proximity Sensor
• Two-Wire Sensor Interface Using Zener Diodes
• Two-Wire Sensor Interface Using Voltage Regulator
• Three-Wire Digital Gear-Tooth Sensor
• TTL Output Gear-Tooth Sensor
• Simple LED Drive Circuit for AKL-Series Sensors
 

Single-Ended Analog Sensor Amplifier

Analog Sensor Amplifier Reference Circuit

Instrumentation Amplifiers such as the INA118 or INA826 are popular bridge sensor preamplifiers because they reduce chip count and have excellent common-mode rejection ratios without having to match resistors. These amplifiers can run on single or dual supplies, and the INA826 outputs are nearly rail-to-rail. AC coupling can be used for small, dynamic signals such as currency detection.

The circuit above has a gain of 10. The general equation for the output voltage is:
Amplifier Gain

The low-frequency cutoff frequency is set by R3/2 and C3. For the typical values of 200K and 0.1µF, the cutoff frequency is 8 Hz.

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Analog Sensor Amplification and Conditioning with an Inexpensive Microcontroller

ATtiny Interface
 
With their high output signals, GMR sensors are easy to interface to inexpensive 8-bit microcontrollers. This circuit uses a Trinket with an eight-pin ATtiny85, which is enough pins to interface to the sensor and provide digital and PWM outputs. The microcontroller can amplify, offset correct, and temperature compensate the outputs. The ATtiny85 is a popular choice because it has an available differential amplifier and a selectable gain of 20; has I2C, PWM, and digital I/O; it has an internal temperature sensor that can be used for temperature compensation in critical applications; and costs less than $1.00. The gain of 20 is ideal for NVE GMR analog sensors. AALSeries sensors, for example, have a maximum output of 45 mV/V, so a gain of 20 provides 900 mV/V, or nearly full scale.

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Buffer Amplifier for TMR Angle Sensor

TMR Buffer Amplifier Reference Circuit

The high impedance of tunneling (TMR) sensors make them extremely low power, but this sometimes creates a challenge connecting to ordinary multimeters, comparators, or other circuitry. The circuit above is a two-channel unity-gain buffer with low-impedance outputs using a dual nanopower op amp. The buffer is usable up to approximately a kilohertz or 60000 rpm. The minimum TLV522 op amp supply voltage is 1.7 V, and the AAT001 sensor has no minimum.

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4x Amplifier for TMR Angle Sensor

TMR Amplifier Reference Circuit
 
TMR sensors have high output signals, but if amplification is required, a circuit like the one above can be used. The gain of four amplifies the sensor’s typical peak-to-peak signal level of 200 mV/V to 80% of rail-to-rail (one volt/volt), providing more usable signal without risk of saturating the amplifier for a sensor at the high end of the output signal range.

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Differential Amplifier for TMR Angle Sensor

Differential Amplifier for TMR Angle Sensor
 
If sine and cosine outputs are not required, a differential amplifier provides a larger signal, more precision, and less temperature dependence than either the sine and cosine output alone. The differential sin-cos voltage has an amplitude of 1.41 times the amplitude of either output, or 226 mV/V. If power consumption is not critical, an instrumentation amplifier can be used to minimize component count as shown in the schematic above. The amplifier gain of three provides a typical peak-to-peak output of 68% of rail-to-rail (one volt/volt). Note that the zero crossing is at 45 degrees, compared to 0 degrees for the Sin output and 90 degrees for the Cos output.

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Variable Threshold Magnetic Switch

Variable Threshold Magnetic Switch
 
NVE offers AD-Series factory-set GMR Switches, but AA-Series analog sensors can be used for special thresholds or hysteresis, or variable thresholds. In this circuit, the threshold is varied by changing Rg, which sets the gain of the differential amplifier. The 1 megohm resistor sets the threshold hysteresis.

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Angular Reference Point for TMR Angle Sensor

Angular Reference Point for TMR Angle Sensor
 
An AAT angle sensor and a simple comparator can be used to provide a precise angular reference point and a one cycle-per-rotation signal. Comparing the sine and cosine outputs is more precise than comparing either to a reference because it corrects for temperature.

In this circuit, the output is high from nominal 45 to 225 degrees, and low from 225 to 45 degrees. A low voltage, low quiescent current comparator is used to preserve the AAT sensors’ ultra-low power and wide supply range. Inherent comparator hysteresis eliminates noise at the transition points. The TLV3691 comparator hysteresis of 17 mV corresponds to approximately 6 degrees of hysteresis with a 1.5 V supply. A TS881 or similar comparator has a typical hysteresis of 4 mV, corresponding to approximately 1.5 angular degrees of hysteresis.

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Digital Speed and Direction Signals for Gear-Tooth Sensors

Digital Speed and Direction Signals for Gear-Tooth Sensors
 
A dual comparator and flip-flop can be used for a precise encoder with direction and speed outputs. Direction is determined by detecting the phasing between the two outputs. The “Speed” output is one cycle per tooth.

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Digital Speed and Direction Signals for Angle Sensors

Digital Speed and Direction Signals for Angle Sensors
 
A quad comparator and flip-flop can be used for a precise encoder with direction and speed outputs. Direction is determined by detecting the phasing between the two outputs. The “Speed” output is one cycle per revolution and switches at 45 and 225 degrees. Low-power components and large resistors are used to avoid adding power consumption to low-power applications such as AAT001 interfaces.

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Two Cycles/Revolution Speed Signals for Angle Sensors

2 Cycles/Revolution Speed Signals for Angle Sensors
 
A simple exclusive-OR gate provides a digital signal with two cycles per revolution, and transitions every 90 degrees.

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Quadrant Outputs for Angle Sensors

Quadrant Outputs for Angle Sensors
 
A simple 2-to-4 line decoder provides digital signals indicating the quadrant of rotation.

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Overcurrent Sensor

Overcurrent Sensor

An AA-Series analog sensors over a current trace can be used to detect an overcurrent condition with inherent isolation and no insertion losses. The 100 KΩ and 4 MΩ resistors set the threshold; the 8.5 MΩ feedback resistor sets the comparator hysteresis and therefore the reset threshold.

A 0.09-inch/2.3 millimeter trace width can carry up to about 10 A. An AA003-02E sensor can be used for thresholds of up to 10 A; more sensitive sensors such as the AA002 can be used for lower thresholds.

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Power Driver for AFL-, ADL-, and AHT-Series GMR Switches

3-wire reference circuit

AFL, ADL, and AHT-Series GMR Switches have 100 microamp drive capability, but that can be easily extended using transistors, MOSFETs, or driver ICs. The base resistor is selected so the sensor output current is within the 100 microamp specification, and the transistor’s current gain (420 at room temperature for the device shown) determines the maximum drive current. The circuit above drives up to 20 mA over the full temperature range.

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Output Invertors for Low-Voltage Sensors

3-wire reference circuit

Low-voltage sensors such as AFL-, ADL-, AHL-, ADT-, AHK-, and AHK-Series switches can be inverted using transistors, MOSFETs, or CMOS logic. Transistors and MOSFETs can operate at lower voltage than CMOS logic. The bipolar transistor circuit [left] can be used to the AHLxxx / AHKxxx 0.9-volt minimum opertating voltage. The pullup resistor should be as large as possible to minimize quiescent current while still turning on the transistor. The MOSFET circuit [right] can use larger pullup resistors for less quiescent current. A low-threshold MOSFET, such as an FDN337 with a one-volt maximum Gate-Sourse voltage, can be used.

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Three-Wire Magnetic Proximity Sensor

3-wire reference circuit
[click image to enlarge]
NVE’s AD8xx and AD9xx GMR Switches are designed specifically for three-wire interfaces. These parts combine precise magnetic performance with interface electronics, an LED driver, and short-circuit protection. The protection circuitry shuts off the output stage when a short circuit condition detected. After a user-specified time interval, the circuit turns back on. If the short circuit condition persists, the output stage is again shut off and the cycle repeats.

Cap2 delays the startup of the SCP circuitry to avoid triggering the SCP circuitry with normal startup transients. Cap sets the “Off” time of the short-circuit protection circuitry. The voltage across Rshort is monitored by the IC. If this voltage exceeds 145 mV (typical), the short-circuit protection circuitry is activated.

AD8xx/AD9xx-Series sensors are available for current sinking or sourcing outputs and a range of magnetic field operate points. They are available in MSOP-8 packages or bare die for chip-on-board assemblies.

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High Output Drive Three-Wire Magnetic Proximity Sensor

3-wire reference circuit
[click image to enlarge]

The addition of a DB001-00 Power Switch IC to the previous circuit adds a high-current output, reverse battery protection, and transient protection.

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Two-Wire Magnetic Proximity Sensor Using Zener Diodes

2-Wire Sensor Reference Circuit
 
NVE’s ADL-Series sensors are perfect for two-wire applications, because their low supply voltage and low quiescent current provide plenty of design margin.

Two-wire interfaces need to operate over a wide power supply range. With the sensor off, the circuit must draw a minimal residual current, typically less than 1.5 milliamps. With the sensor on, the circuit must provide enough current to drive a significant load such as a motor or solenoid.

In this circuit, when a magnetic field is applied to the sensor, the MOSFETs turn on, turning on the LED and powering the load. With no magnetic field and the sensor off, the residual current of the circuit is the D1 Zener diode bias current plus the sensor quiescent current. The ADL924 quiescent current is negligible, so the residual current is dominated by the Zener current, which is less than 1.5 milliamps. D1 should be a low-current Zener to allow a higher series resistor for minimal residual current. When a magnetic field is applied, the MOSFETs turn on, turning on the LED and powering the load.

Zener diode D1 limits the ADL925 supply voltage with the load unpowered; Zener diode D2 provides enough voltage to power the circuitry when the load is powered.

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Two-Wire Sensor Interface Using a Voltage Regulator

2-Wire Sensor Reference Circuit

This reference circuit uses an NVE DC001-10 regulator instead of a Zener diode (D1) to provides better regulation and operating latitude over the input voltage range.

The residual current is dominated by the regulator’s quiescent current, which is less than one milliamp and relatively constant over input voltage. This circuit also uses a “TinyLogic” invertor instead of a MOSFET, which eliminates a resistor.

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Three-Wire Digital Gear-Tooth Sensor

AKL Three-Wire Interface Reference Circuit

The popular AKL-Series Gear-Tooth Sensors have 4-to-8 mA two-wire interfaces. The interface can be directly used in certain applications, but some application require a three-wire configuration. In the simple circuit above, when the current is 4 mA, the voltage across the 100 ohm resistor is 0.4 V, not enough to turn on the transistor. With 8 mA, the transistor turns on. Note that the supply voltage must be at least 5.2 V to provide the sensor’s 4.5 V minimum Vcc.

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TTL Output Gear-Tooth Sensor

TTL Output Gear-Tooth Sensor Reference Circuit

The popular AKL-Series Gear-Tooth Sensors have two-wire current-modulated interfaces. The interface can be directly used in certain applications, but some application require a TTL-compatible digital output. The circuit above uses a simple comparator (7211 or similar) to convert the 4 - 8 mA AKL supply current to a rail-to-rail digital output. The 10 ohm series resistor is small enough to ensure the AKL Vcc voltage is above its 4.5 V minimum with a 4.75 - 5.25 V supply. The 1KΩ and 82KΩ resistors set a comparator threshold between 4 and 8 mA, and the 1 megohm resistor provides hysteresis to enhance noise immunity.

AKL-Series Gear-Tooth Sensors feature a 50% duty cycle and DC (zero-speed) operation.

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Simple LED Drive Circuit for AKL-Series Sensors

AKL LED Drive Circuit

Two-wire interface AKL-Series digital Gear-Tooth Sensors have 4-to-8 mA output, which is enough to drive an LED. However, the 4 mA “off” current is enough to illuminate an LED if it is simply connected in series with the supply or ground. In the circuit above, the 400 ohm resistor draws slightly more than 4 mA at the LED turn-on voltage of 1.8 V. This ensures there is not enough current to turn on the LED with a 4 mA output, but enough to illuminate a high-efficiency LED when the sensor output is 8 mA. This circuit requires no external active components. Another advantage of this circuit is the LED brightness is independent of supply voltage. Note that the supply voltage must be at least 7 V to provide the sensor’s 4.5 V minimum Vcc.

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