Infineon 3D Magnetic Sensor with High Accuracy Reduces Power Consumption in Consumer and Industrial Applications

Munich, Germany – May 12, 2015 – Infineon Technologies AG (FSE: IFX / OTCQX: IFNNY) today announced its 3D magnetic sensor TLV493D-A1B6 that features highly accurate three-dimensional sensing with extremely low power consumption in a small 6-pin TSOP package. Magnetic field detection in x, y, and z direction, allow the sensor to reliably measure three-dimensional, linear and rotation movements. The implemented digital I²C interface enables fast and bidirectional communication between sensor and microcontroller.

The TLV493D-A1B6 suits consumer and industrial applications that require accurate three-dimensional measurements or angular measurements or low power consumption, such as joysticks; control elements used for white goods and multi-function knobs; and electric meters where the 3D magnetic sensor helps to protect against tampering. With its contactless position sensing and high temperature stability of magnetic threshold, the TLV493D-A1B6 enables these systems to become smaller, more accurate and robust.

“Our TLV493D-A1B6 enables magnetic sensing to applications which have not been considered so far by making them smaller, more accurate and robust,” said Ralf Bornefeld, Vice President and General Manager, Sense & Control, Infineon Technologies AG. “Our TLV493D-A1B6 marks the starting point for a new 3D magnetic sensor family. Later this year, we will offer a 3D sensor for automotive applications such as gear sticks and steering column controls.”

The 3D magnetic sensor TLV493D-A1B6 enables smaller and more energy efficient e-meter systems

Today, up to three magnetic sensors – one for each dimension of external magnetic field – are needed to measure tampering attempts with large magnets. In future, the 3D magnetic sensor TLV493D-A1B6 replaces all three dimension sensors thus making e-meters smaller and more energy efficient.

Technical details of TLV493D-A1B6

The 3D sensor TLV493D-A1B6 detects all three dimensions of a magnetic field. Using lateral hall plates for the z direction and vertical Hall plates for the x and y direction of the magnetic field, the sensor can be used in a large magnetic field range of +/- 150mT (milli Tesla) for all three dimensions. This allows measuring and covering a long magnet movement. The large operation scale also makes the magnet circuit design easy, robust and flexible.

The TLV493D-A1B6 provides 12-bit data resolution for each measurement direction. This allows a high data resolution of 0.098mT per bit (LSB) so that even the smallest magnet movements can be measured.

One of the main development goals for the TLV493D-A1B6 sensor was low power consumption. In “Power Down mode,” the sensor only requires 7 nano Ampere supply current. To perform magnetic measurements, the sensor can be set in one of five different power modes. In “Ultra Low Power Mode,” for example, the sensor performs a magnetic measurement every 100 milliseconds (10Hz) resulting in a current consumption of 10µAmpere. The time between measurement cycles can be set flexibly allowing system specific solutions. Using the sensor with continuous measurements, the maximum power consumption is only 3.7mAmpere. Also, the power modes can be changed during operation.

The TLV493D-A1B6 uses a standard I²C digital protocol to communicate with external microcontrollers. It is possible to operate the sensors in a bus mode to eliminate additional wiring cost and efforts.

Targeting industrial and consumer applications, TLV493D-A1B6 can be operated on supply voltages between 2.7 Volt and 3.5 Volt and in a temperature range between -40°C to 125°C. The product is qualified according to industry norm JESD47.

Development support

To enable a fast design-in process, Infineon offers the evaluation board “3D Magnetic 2Go.” In combination with the free 3D sensor software, first magnetic measurements are attainable within minutes. The evaluation board applies the Infineon 32-bit microcontroller XMC1100 that uses the ARM® Cortex®-M0 processor.

Availability

The evaluation board “3D Magnetic 2Go” is available already (www.ehitex.com).

Engineering samples of the TLV493D-A1B6 designed for consumer and industrial applicationsare available as of July 2015. Volume production is expected to start in January 2016. To serve customers in the automotive market, Infineon will conduct a full AEC-Q100 qualification on the sensor. Volume production for the automotive qualified TLE493D-A1B6 is expected for mid of 2016.

Infineon at Sensor+Test 2015 (May 19-21, 2015, Nuremberg, Germany)

Infineon will be presenting the new TLV493D-A1B6 magnetic sensor and its portfolio of Hall, magnetic and pressure sensors for consumer, industry and automotive applications at the Sensor+Test 2015 tradeshow in hall 12 at booth 238.

For the show highlights please go to www.infineon.com/sensortest

Further details and product news on Infineon’s 3D magnetic sensor are available on www.infineon.com/3Dmagnetic

Infineon Technologies AG is a world leader in semiconductors. Infineon offers products and system solutions addressing three central challenges to modern society: energy efficiency, mobility, and security. In the 2014 fiscal year (ending September 30), the company reported sales of Euro 4.3 billion with about 29,800 employees worldwide. In January 2015, Infineon acquired US-based International Rectifier Corporation, a leading provider of power management technology, with revenues of USD 1.1 billion (fiscal year 2014 ending June 29) and approximately 4,200 employees.

Infineon is listed on the Frankfurt Stock Exchange (ticker symbol: IFX) and in the USA on the over-the-counter market OTCQX International Premier (ticker symbol: IFNNY).