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Magnetic position sensors for reliable, energy-efficient applications

Infineon’s XENSIV™ range represents the broadest portfolio of sensor solutions on the market. Industry-leading, proprietary technology ensures all products are best-fit solutions for applications spanning the automotive, industrial, and consumer fields.

Magnetic sensors work by detecting the presence of a magnetic field and providing actionable data regarding the positioning, speed, rotation, and/or direction of movement of an object, gifting systems with the ‘sight’ necessary to interpret the world around them and respond accordingly. Our magnetic position sensors with Hall and TMR sensing technology serve a range of purposes, from determining object proximity over detecting linear and rotational movement to measuring the multidimensional position of a magnetic field.

Infineon's XENSIV™ sensors are exceptionally precise thanks to industry-leading magnetic technologies and over forty years of experience in sensing solutions. With AMR, GMR, TMR, and Hall sensor technology offered as part of Infineon’s magnetic position sensor portfolio, manufacturers and designers can find the best-fit solution for their specific application.

Magnetoresistive sensors with Hall effect sensor technology

Magnetic position sensors with Hall technology make use of the Hall effect, which creates a voltage by using a perpendicular magnetic field to distribute electric charges on opposite sides of a flat conductor. This distribution creates a potential difference known as Hall voltage that is directly proportional to the strength of the magnetic field.

A Hall sensor with a magnet in its shaft becomes attached to an object. As the object moves, its changing position affects the strength of the magnetic field being applied to the conductor. The converted Hall voltage is then used to show the location of the object.

Magnetoresistive sensors with AMR, GMR, & TMR sensor technology

Sensors with anisotropic magnetoresistive (AMR) technology create a proportional magnetic field by sending electric current along a wire. The currents are sent through an equipped magnetic position sensor IC that uses permalloy, whose resistance is subsequently changed by the magnetic field. This is then converted into a measurable voltage.

Sensors with giant magnetoresistive (GMR) technology determine the amount of resistance by observing the degree to which magnetic fields are or aren’t parallel.

Sensors with tunnel magnetoresistive (TMR) technology account for two of its counterparts’ weaknesses: low voltage output and susceptibility to temperature changes. Thanks to their parallel structure, TMR sensors allow electrons to tunnel freely between their layers, creating an output several times higher than that of AMR or GMR sensors. Not only is it more powerful, but the tunneling effect results in accurate measurements unaffected by spikes or drops in temperature.

Discover the different types of magnetic position sensors in our range

Magnetic position sensors are categorized by how they measure magnetic fields and what positioning and movement they determine. Their usage overlaps, but different sensors also have strengths that stand out in certain situations.

Magnetic switches are divided into switches and latches according to their switching behavior. Linear sensors are reliable and accurate pieces of equipment for detecting angular and linear object positioning. Our linear sensors come programmed with several interface options and report back extremely accurate linear and angular positional measurements.

Using Hall sensing technology, a 3D magnetic position sensor is designed to handle any kind of magnetic measurement, determining the strength of a magnetic field across x, y, and z axes. Finally, angle sensors operate with GMR, TMR, and AMR technology to determine sine and cosine angle measurements that reveal the positioning of a magnetic field.

Highest accuracy for automotive applications

Magnetic sensors are essential to the automotive industry. A magnetic vehicle sensor of some description is present in a range of applications spanning the breadth of engine function, safety-essential features, and quality-of-life touches. Speed sensors relay critical data regarding the speed and direction of the crank, wheels, and transmission, enabling major systems such as speedometers, anti-lock brakes, automatic transmissions, and park assistance to function.

Magnetic position sensors for automotive applications are responsible for everything from closing windows and sunroofs, seat belt detection, and headlight adjustment to indispensable applications for BLDC commutation, power steering, and throttle control.

Our broad portfolio of sensors for industrial & consumer applications

As the largest magnetic sensor manufacturer globally, Infineon is proud to cater to the requirements of all three sectors with sensors specifically optimized for harsh operating conditions, cost-effectiveness, reduced energy consumption, and a vast number of other customizable advantages dependent on the industry and application.

All Infineon's magnetic position sensors can be used across a range of industrial and consumer applications, such as brushless driver control (BLDC) motors, joystick components, robotics positioning control, as well as wearable and smart home devices.