Allegro MicroSystems Europe announced a new programmable unipolar Hall-effect switch with built in diagnostics.
The A1162 has on-chip electromagnetic coils that are used to implement self-test of the sensor’s entire magnetic and electrical signal chain. It is designed for systems where precise magnet switchpoints and safety, reliability, or both, are critical, such as those designed to meet the requirements of ISO 26262.
Key automotive applications include shift selectors (PRNDL), seat belt buckles and brake sensors.
Use of the A1162 either eliminates the need for redundant sensors in safety-critical applications or increases robustness in safety-critical applications that might otherwise require redundant sensors (drive-by-wire systems, etc).