Magnetic Sensors
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Honeywell Introduces Three-Axis Magnetoresistive Sensors

 MINNEAPOLIS, SEPT. 3, 1999 ó Honeywell today introduced a three-axis magnetoresistive sensor for applications that require orthogonal three-axis sensing.  The HMC1023 magnetoresistive sensor is small in size and uses low power.  This new addition to the Honeywell magnetic sensor product family is 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 HMC1023 sensor is highly sensitive and can 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.  

 Configured as three magnetoresistive sensors in x, y, and z orientation, these highly sensitive sensors convert all three magnetic field axes to a differential output voltage.  The HMC1023 is designed to work as a single, stand-alone, three-axis magnetoresistive sensing system.  The Custom Ball Grid Array (BGA), 1mm pitch, 16-pin miniature package provides a small footprint and accurate sensor placement for orthogonal three-axis sensing applications.  These small devices reduce board assembly costs and improve reliability and ruggedness  compared to mechanical fluxgates.  Components are manufactured at the Honeywell Solid State Electronics Center located in Plymouth, Minn. and are now available for sampling.

 Other magnetic sensing components include the high sensitivity, high reliability 1001, 1002, 1021, and 1022 microcircuits designed for affordable high-volume OEM applications; and the 1501 and 1512 linear/angular/rotary displacement sensors which feature high resolution and low power. For more information on Honeywell's complete family of magnetic products, please call the SSEC Information Line at 1-800-323-8295 or visit our web site at http://www.ssec.honeywell.com.

Honeywell is the worldís leading provider of control technologies for buildings, homes, industry, space and aviation.  The company employs 57,000 people in 95 countries, and had 1998 sales of $8.4 billion.