NXP Launches Advanced Dual Magnetic Sensor

Published on June 28, 2012 at 5:56 AM

By Will Soutter

NXP Semiconductors has recently introduced the KMA220, a dual magnetic sensor that can be adopted for use in automotive applications that require measurement of mechanical angle.

NXP's KMA220 Dual Magnetic Sensor

The KMA220 is a single package resulting from the combination of two sensor systems. It is effective for throttle control applications that need a redundant system solution. The KMA220 functions in a simple disk magnet configuration and serves as a critical tool within the automotive market, eliminating the need for a PCB or external components.

The KMA220 is fully-programmed and can be directly used for applications. Besides the two signal conditioning ASICs and two sensors dies, three capacitors have been in-built within the KMA220. By integrating with its dual nature, this versatile system ensures its customers with minimal system cost and simplified assembly process. Unlike previous installations for redundancy achievement in throttle applications that require two single sensors on a PCB or a leadframe, this dual KMA220 sensor requires only a single, simple installation.

The sensor is based on NXP's unique ABCD9 technology. This unique technology of NXP provides an automotive platform for the advancement of analog mixed-signal integration. The technology uses NXP's CMOS 14 process to have enhanced performance than its earlier sensor products with integrated ASICs. The KMA220 is also qualified as per the latest HMM (Human Metal Model) having excellent EMC performance and superior electrostatic discharge protection.

NXP's unique automotive sensor family is robust and can effectively operate at temperatures of up to 1600 C, exceeding the industry average of 1500 C. This temperature range is critical for deployment in precision EGR (exhaust gas recirculation) applications.