Magnetic sensors enable on-off, hibernate via distance, angle

Toshiba America Electronic Components Inc. has unveiled a line of magnetic sensors in applications with open-close mechanisms that use on-off, hibernate or other system-based signals determined by the distance or angle of the sensor to a magnet.

The TCS20, TCS11 and TCS10 sensors detect magnetic flux from north or south magnetic poles, or both, making them ideal for applications such as on-off switches in mobile phones, notebook PCs, home appliances, and other products.

The three series include 13 devices that offer three levels of magnetic flux sensitivity, magnetic pole detection and push-pull, open-drain or inverted open-drain digital output and three types of packages.

The TCS20 series consists of four sensors that provide two levels of magnetic flux density in two different packages and feature both north- and south-pole detection. The TCS20DPR and TCS20DPC offer push-pull digital output, while the TCS20DLR and TCS20DLC feature an open-drain output system.

TCS20xxR devices feature high magnetic flux sensitivity of 4.4mT (max.) for the BON detection level and 0.9mT (min.) for the BOFF release level. They are available in three-pin SOT-23F packages measuring 2.4x 2.9x0.8mm.

TCS20xxC devices come in an ultra-thin package with high magnetic flux sensitivity of 3.8mT (max.) for the BON detection level and 0.3mT (min.) for the BOFF release level. They are offered in six-pin CST6C packages measuring 1.5mm x 1.15mm x 0.38mm. The sensors have a very low average power consumption current of 12.8?A (ave.), with an operating voltage of 3.3V. They can operate over a wide operating voltage range from 2.3V to 3.6V.