Rotation angle and stroke detection in a

limited space for sensing

For rotation angle and stroke (distance) detection, the "optical sensor" and "Hall sensor" configurations are often used. However, when using an optical sensor, there are restrictions on the arrangement due to the position between one LED (light source), lens, and light-receiving sensor each. And also when using a Hall sensor, the arrangement of the magnet and sensor is limited because the sensor's magnetic surface is unidirectional.

AKM's tri-axis magnetic sensors sense magnetic fields in three axial directions (X, Y, and Z) in a compact single package and output them as 3D magnetic data. With a simple configuration that combines this tri-axis magnetic sensor with a 2-pole magnet, rotation angles and stroke amounts can be detected from 3D magnetic data.

Additionally, tri-axis magnetic sensor can sense the magnetic field of magnets in various directions when viewed from the sensor, so that it can detect the rotation angle and stroke in a flexible placement.

In other words, it is possible for customers to determine the arrangement of sensors and magnets with a higher flexibility of placement, allowing for a layout that makes more effective use of the limited space.

The following shows an example of arrangement of rotation angle detection and stroke detection.