Honeywell Unveils Industry's First Nanopower Series Magnetoresistive Sensor ICs

Recently, Honeywell (News - Alert) launched the industry’s first Nanopower Anisotropic Magnetoresistive Sensor ICs, which are smaller and more durable and reliable than reed switches.

The new Nanopower Series Magnetoresistive Sensor ICs provide the highest level of magnetic sensitivity as low as 7 Gauss typical and require nanopower. 

Ideal for battery powered applications, these sensors offer design engineers a number of advantages, as compared to other widely used magnetic technologies.

Previously, only reed switches could be used due to very low power requirements and large air gap needs.

Officials said that the new Nanopower Series Magnetoresistive Sensor ICs’ higher sensitivity allows for the ability to sense air gaps two times the distance of Hall-effect sensors.  With the higher sensitivity, the design flexibility can be improved and cost savings can be achieved.

The sensors are used in a wide range of battery-operated applications such as 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.

“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.  “Honeywell’s 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 and Very high sensitivity SM353LT.

Recently, TMCnet reported that Honeywell Electronic Materials has received the Samsung (News - Alert) Continuous Improvement Award from Samsung Austin Semiconductor, recognizing Honeywell for excellence in quality, materials technology and purchasing process.