Lower power accurate three-dimensional sensor

The Infineon TLV493D-A1B6 3D sensor, available from Mouser, provides highly accurate three-dimensional sensing while consuming very little power. The sensor is available in a small 6-pin TSOP package. Its 3D magnetic field detection, low power consumption, high temperature magnetic stability, and small package size helps applications become smaller, more accurate and energy efficient. Its magnetic field detection senses movement in all three directions (x, y, and z) of a field. The sensor uses lateral Hall plates to detect the z direction. Vertical Hall plates detect the x and y directions. Designers can use the sensor to measure a large magnetic field range of +/- 150mT (milli Tesla) for all three dimensions. The sensor offers 12-bit data resolution for each measurement direction. With a high data resolution of 0.098mT per bit (LSB), it can measure even the smallest magnet movements. The integrated digital I²C interface allows quick, bidirectional communication between the sensor and microcontroller. Designers can set the sensor to perform magnetic measurements in one of five different power modes. In the ultra-low power mode, it performs a magnetic measurement every 100 milliseconds (10Hz) while only consuming 10µA of current. When using the sensor for continuous measurements, it consumes only 3.7mA (maximum) of power. In power-down mode, the device only requires a 7nA supply current. It can be operated with 2.7V-3.5V supply voltages in a -40degC to 125degC temperature range. Qualified according to JESD47, this 3D sensor is ideal for industrial and consumer applications. These applications include joysticks, control elements in white goods, multi-function knobs and e-meter systems that use a 3D magnetic sensor to protect against tampering.