TRI-AXIS MAGNETIC SENSOR

The AK09970, a tri-axis magnetic sensor is able to detect magnetic signals in X, Y, and, Z directions and supports wide measurement range with high resolution in tri-axis detection and captures magnetic fields in 3-dimensions. With these abilities, it is great device for controlling the direction of security cameras and connected home, (smart home, smart house), smart locks, along with door and window open/close detection.

The AK09970 has a high sensitivity setting of ±36mT on 3-axes. It is able to measure a wide range of magnetic field from microtesla to millitesla such as from geomagnetic to a magnet since it has high measurement resolution of 1.1µT/LSB in high sensitivity mode.

In addition, wide range setting of 101mT can be achieved via the Z axis. (Refer to the specification table).

The AK09970 can operate using only a few µA, thus consuming a very low current that satisfies a demand of IoT products, (refer to the specification table). It contributes to a long battery life of a product that needs constant acquisition of sensor data to monitor an object’s status.

The AK09970 measures magnetic field on all 3-axes via intermittent drive and outputs the result as digital data, (supporting I2C/SPI communications). It outputs a Data Ready Alert to the dedicated register when the measurement data is updated. (0.25/0.5/1/10/20/15/100Hz interval modes or single measurement mode is selectable for intermittent drive options.)

The AK09970 has magnetic event interrupt pins. Two thresholds can be programmed for each axis, (setting the resolution equal to the measuring resolution). When a magnetic field that exceeds the threshold is sent, the AK09970 outputs a “Magnetic Event” interrupt to registers or external output pins. The magnetic event that causes an interrupt output that can be selected freely by setting a register. (Data Ready Alert mentioned in above can also be output from an interrupt pin). Two interrupt pins are available for magnetic event: the INT pin for push-pull output and the ODIN pin for open-drain output. Therefore, the output format can be selected depending on the customer’s product.

There is increasing demand for a sensing function to monitor an object’s status in remote locations as IoT products are expected to grow in the market.

The 3-Axis Magnetic Sensor AK09970 from Asahi Kasei Microdevices is available now at Atlantik Elektronik.