austriamicrosystems has unveiled the AS5040, the world's smallest 10-bit multiple output magnetic rotary encoder IC. A system-on-chip, which integrates field sensing Hall elements, analog front-end and digital signal processing in a single device, the AS5040 is ideal for industrial applications including motion control, robotics, brush-less DC motor commutation, power tools and a host of other applications.

It is also ideal for many automotive applications such as steering wheel and gas pedal position sensing, headlight control, power seat position indicators and transmission box encoders.

The AS5040 operates in a contactless system with a small magnet that is placed either above or below the device. The device can detect 1,024 positions in a full 360-degree magnet turn. Due to the AS5040 highly integrated system architecture, the complete system requires a minimum number of external components.

"The AS5040 is an extremely flexible system solution with a minimum number of external components," said Ralf Kodritsch, marketing manager for Sensors & Automation at austriamicrosystems. "Its small physical dimensions and robustness makes this device a reliable and cost-effective alternative to optical encoders. The contactless position sensing and wide temperature operating range makes this device ideally suited for harsh environments. The AS5040 has been tailored for applications with high resolution and accuracy requirements such as steering wheel position detection or industrial motion control."

The AS5040 provides absolute, incremental and pulse width modulated digital output signals simultaneously. The user programmable index / zero position enables rotational speed measurement, while the synchronous serial interface output provides absolute position data. The AS5040 can be configured to specific customer requirements by programming the integrated one-time programmable internal register. An internal voltage regulator allows the AS5040 to operate at either 3.3 V or 5 V.

Tolerant to magnetic source misalignment, the AS5040 includes a failure detection feature that monitors the magnet placement during operation. The operating temperature range is from -40°C to +125°C.

About austriamicrosystems
austriamicrosystems AG is a leading designer and manufacturer of highly integrated analog intensive mixed signal ICs. austriamicrosystems combines more than 20 years of design capabilities, product and marketing know-how with its own cutting edge analog manufacturing and test facilities. Operating worldwide with more than 800 employees, austriamicrosystems serves four strategic markets: Communications, Industry & Medical, Automotive and Full-Service Foundry. austriamicrosystems AG is listed on the SWX Swiss Exchange in Zurich (ticker symbol: AMS).