austriamicrosystems Introduces Linear Motion Encoder IC

UNTERPREMSTAETTEN, Austria--(BUSINESS WIRE)--austriamicrosystems (SWX:AMS), a leading global designer and manufacturer of analog ICs for communications, industrial, medical and automotive applications, has launched the AS5305, a magnetic linear motion encoder IC, aimed at linear motion and off-axis rotational measurements in applications such as industrial drives, x-y stages or electrical motors. An automotive version AS5305A for applications such as throttle, cam- and crankshaft position sensing as well as for high resolution motor control will be available in the first half of 2008.

The AS5305 is a complete system-on-a-chip, combining Hall elements and a signal processor on one silicon chip. The device provides linear position measurement via a single-track or double-track multi-pole magnetic strip sliding over the IC. Using a cost-effective single-track magnetic strip, an incremental measurement with a resolution as small as 14 microns per position step can be obtained. The AS5305 supports magnetic strips with pole-pair dimensions between 2.26 mm and 5.91 mm.

An absolute linear displacement can be obtained by operating the AS5305 in conjunction with a double-track magnetic strip. The IC reads index information from the second magnetic strip, which represents a reference position within the mechanical displacement.

"The AS5305 linear encoder is designed for use in a wide range of applications in the industrial, automotive, medical and consumer markets," says Matjaz Novak, Marketing Director Industry & Medical at austriamicrosystems. "The AS5305 allows module manufacturers to significantly reduce their product size in form factor critical applications. For example, the combination of form factor, high reliability and high resolution makes the AS5305 particularly attractive for portable medical devices."

The AS5305 can also be used as an off-axis device for rotational measurements, in conjunction with a multi-pole magnetic ring. When used with a 32 pole-pair magnetic ring, for example, the AS5305 is able to provide a resolution of 5120 positions per revolution. The device can operate at speeds of up to 9375 rpm with an integrated field strength indicator acting as an additional safety feature.

The AS5305 linear encoder IC adds to austriamicrosystems' highly successful family of magnetic rotary encoders. Like all austriamicrosystems magnetic rotary encoder ICs, the AS5305 is insensitive to external magnetic stray fields.

The AS5305 is available now in a lead-free TSSOP20 package. The device operates at 5 V supply and is specified for –40° to 125°C ambient temperature. The automotive version AS5305A will be fully qualified to AEC-Q100 and specified for ambient temperatures up to 150°C. More product information can be found on austriamicrosystems' Web site.

About austriamicrosystems
austriamicrosystems is a leading designer and manufacturer of high performance analog ICs, combining more than 25 years of analog design capabilities and system know-how with its own state-of-the-art manufacturing and test facilities. austriamicrosystems leverages its expertise in low power and high accuracy to provide industry-leading customized and standard analog products. Operating worldwide with more than 1000 employees, austriamicrosystems focuses on the areas of power management, sensors & sensor interfaces, portable audio and car access in its markets Communications, Industry & Medical and Automotive, complemented by its Full Service Foundry activities. austriamicrosystems is listed on the SWX Swiss Exchange in Zurich (ticker symbol: AMS).