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Omnipolar AMR Sensors:
Greater Design Freedom for Your Next Low-Power Application

Optimal positioning of the magnet and sensor can be a decisive factor in product development. With the new AMR sensors from SG MICRO (distributed by GLYN), developers can now accomplish this task particularly easily. AMR stands for “Anisotropic Magneto-Resistance.”

AMR sensors detect magnetic fields without contact and with very high energy efficiency. They are particularly well suited for position, proximity, opening, and tamper detection, for example in door locks, meters, smoke detectors, or battery-powered devices.

Depending on the application, they can replace conventional Hall sensors, reed contacts, mechanical switches, or magnet solutions that require precise alignment. AMR sensors can detect even very weak magnetic fields. With an average current consumption of IAVER < 500 nA, they consume significantly less power than less sensitive Hall sensors.

Table 1

1. High design flexibility
   The VCS2381, VCS2382, VCS2383, and VCS2395 models from SG MICRO offer high design flexibility, extremely low power consumption, and reliable magnetic detection. This makes them an ideal choice for modern, energy-efficient applications.
   
   
2. 360° omnipolar detection
   The sensors detect magnetic fields within the chip plane regardless of orientation and respond to both the north and south poles. This gives you greater design freedom, simplifies assembly, and reduces the requirements for precise magnet positioning.
   
   
3. Ultra-low power for extended operating life
   Current consumption is in the nanoampere range, making the sensors ideal for battery- and rechargeable-battery-powered applications. They help extend battery life, reduce maintenance requirements, and enable particularly energy-efficient product designs.
   
   
4. High magnetic sensitivity
   The sensors reliably detect even weaker magnetic fields. This allows you to use smaller magnets, achieve greater distances between the magnet and sensor, and optimize your design with greater flexibility.
   
   
5. Robust performance in demanding environments
   With an operating temperature range of –40 °C to +125 °C, the sensors are designed for a wide variety of industrial operating conditions. You benefit from reliable performance even under significant temperature fluctuations and in demanding environments.

Technical specifications:

• Supply voltage: 2.0 V to 5.5 V
• Operating temperature: –40 °C to +125 °C
• Average current consumption: IAVG = 450 nA
• Magnetic flux density B: see Table 1
• Push-pull output: VCS2381, VCS2382, and VCS2383
• Open-drain output: VCS2395
• Package: SOT-23-3

Easy assembly and flexible design
Since the magnet orientation within the chip plane can be freely selected, mechanical requirements within the lock housing can be reduced. This supports efficient manufacturing and opens up additional design possibilities.

A short and simple explanation:
How does AMR technology work?
Inside the sensor is a thin layer of ferromagnetic material. Its electrical resistance changes depending on the angle between the current flow and the magnetization – this is known as the AMR effect.

An internal evaluation circuit with a Schmitt trigger converts this change into a clear digital output signal. If the magnetic flux density exceeds the defined switch-on threshold, the output switches. If the magnetic field falls below the switch-off threshold, the output returns to its original state. Omnipolar means that the sensor responds to both the north and south poles of the magnet.

Conclusion:
Unlike Hall sensors, AMR sensors use the change in the electrical resistance of a ferromagnetic material in a magnetic field. This gives them particularly high sensitivity and enables reliable detection of even weak magnetic fields.

Start your development now with greater design freedom and GLYN SUPPORT.