Magnetic Sensors
Press Room

Honeywell Introduces New One- and Two-Axis Magnetoresistive Microcircuits

MINNEAPOLIS, July 21, 1997 -- Honeywell today introduced new one- and two-axis magnetoresistive microcircuits featuring smaller size and lower power. These new additions to the Honeywell magnetic sensor product family are specifically designed to be affordable for high volume OEM applications such as compassing, navigation systems, attitude reference, virtual reality, traffic detection, proximity detection and medical devices.

The HMC1021 and 1022 microcircuits are highly sensitive and convert magnetic fields to a differential output voltage capable of sensing magnetic fields as low as 85 microgauss. The patented on-chip set/reset and offset straps have been improved and now require 50 percent less power to drive the set/reset and offset functions. These sensors can be operated with a 3 to 10 volt power supply, lowering power consumption and reducing support circuitry.

These new Honeywell products are designed to work together to provide three-axis (x, y, z) capability or alone for one- and two-axis sensing. The one-axis part comes in an 8-pin SIP and the two-axis components in a narrow body 16-pin SOIC package. These small devices reduce board assembly costs and improve reliability and ruggedness compared to mechanical fluxgates. The HMC 1021 and 1022 components are manufactured at the Honeywell Solid State Electronics Center located in Plymouth, Minn. and are now available for sampling.

For more information on Honeywell's magnetic products, please call the SSEC Information Line at 1-800-323-8295.

Honeywell is a global controls company focused on creating value through technology that enhances comfort, improves productivity, saves energy, protects the environment and increases safety. The company serves customers worldwide in the homes and buildings, industrial, and aviation and space markets. Honeywell employs 57,500 people in 95 countries on six continents and had 1996 sales of $7.3 billion.