Region - Language

News Release
- New Product Information -

[Notes] * Information on this page is current on the date of press release. * AKM is trademark of Asahi Kasei Microdevices Corporation in Japan, Europe and the United States. * Appellations, company names and product names on this page are trademarks or registered trademarks of respective companies.

News

Introduction of a New Option for Compact, High-Precision Encoders: Rotary Angle Sensor IC with Strong Dust and Oil Resistance
40 mm angle with ±20* arcsecond angle accuracy

* Based on actual measurements under Asahi Kasei Microdevices (AKM)’s internal evaluation conditions.

2025/6/10

Description

Asahi Kasei Microdevices Corporation (AKM) has developed a rotary angle sensor IC, AK7440, as a new option for compact and high-precision encoders.

In recent years, there has been increasing demand for smaller and more precise encoders. While optical encoder modules offer high precision, their complexity in manufacturing and high cost often present challenges for in-house implementation and integration.

The AK7440 incorporates AKM’s proprietary compound semiconductor technology and enables encoders to achieve optical-class precision in a compact form factor suitable for small motors by combining with a magnetic slit.

AK7440 with Slitted Miniature Disk AK7440 with Slitted Miniature Disk
Mounting Image on Miniature Disk Mounting Image on Miniature Disk

Features

Achieves angle precision ±20* arcseconds in electromagnetic system

By combining electromagnetic converted signals from AKM’s proprietary compound semiconductor magneto-resistive elements with a dedicated angle calculation algorithm, the AK7440 achieves an angle accuracy of ±20 arcseconds.

It achieves a level of precision that was previously difficult with conventional magnetic sensors. It maintains stable operation even in environments with dust, oil, and other contaminants.

*Based on actual measurements under AKM’s internal evaluation conditions.

Expertise Optimized for 40 mm Flange Motors

The trade-off between slit miniaturization and angle precision is resolved through the total solution that integrates the magnetic sensing technology, signal processing, and angle calculation algorithms.

This makes it compatible with 40 mm flange motors, expanding the use across a wide range of industrial applications.

Built-in Algorithm for Correcting Mounting-Induced Angle Errors

Our proprietary angle calculation algorithm also includes an angle correction function.

This function corrects angle errors caused by slit disk eccentricity, tilt, or misalignment of the IC during assembly. This expands the allowable tolerances in the assembly process and reduces the burden during assembly.

Application

・Absolute encoders

・AC servo motors

・Actuators used in robots

・Actuators in industrial transport equipment