November 9, 2009 - Honeywell announced the SS351AT and SS451A Omnipolar Hall-Effect Digital Position Sensors that can be operated by a North pole or a South pole, eliminating the need for the magnet polarity to be identified, which simplifies installation and can reduce system costs. The SS351AT is a subminiature SOT-23 surface mount device that is available on tape and reel, which allows for automated pick-and-place assembly, helping to reduce the customer's manufacturing costs. Its subminiature size occupies less space on the printed circuit board (PCB) than standard Hall-effect sensor packages such as TO-92 or SOT-89, allowing for use in smaller assemblies. The SS451A is available in a leaded, flat TO-92 style package.
Honeywell has optimized the size of the integrated circuit, saving on manufacturing costs while still meeting customer requirements. These manufacturing cost savings result in lower costs to customers. Potential industrial applications include flow rate sensing in industrial processes, robotic control (cylinder position monitoring), and float-based fluid level sensing. The SS351AT and SS451A are very small, versatile sensors operated by the magnetic field from a permanent magnet or an electromagnet. A 3 Vdc to 24 Vdc supply voltage range and the ability to operate up to 150 °C [302 °F] expand application opportunities.
Built-in reverse polarity protects the device from potential damage during installation. Their thermally balanced integrated circuit provides stable operation over a wide temperature range.
