Have we ever stopped to appreciate the value of stepping on a car accelerator and experiencing near-simultaneous acceleration? As users, it's one of those things we take for granted.
But design engineers, of course, understand the value of real-time control. Simply put, when people interact with systems that access their surroundings and act accordingly, it's the very definition of real-time control.
Real-time control systems are tasked to gather data, process that data, and update the system within a defined time window. These closed-loop systems require precise feedback—and the easiest way to accomplish this is by using an accurate sensor.
Texas Instrument has developed an extensive portfolio of sensing, processing, control, and communications devices for real-time control.
In this week New Tech Tuesday, we'll spotlight TI's TMAG5170/TMAG5170-Q1 Linear 3D Hall-Effect Sensors, which are designed to optimize position and sense speed and accuracy in a range of industrial and consumer electronics applications.
Many of these sensors operate in automobile applications, as cited in the example. But the sensors are also used in other everyday applications, such as robotic lawnmowers, vacuum robots, washers and dryers, door and window sensors, and more.
These sensors can also be used on an industrial scale as robotic arm sensors or for mobile robot motor control and linear motor position. Design engineers can achieve uncalibrated ultra-high precision at speeds up to 20kSPS for more accurate and faster real-time control in factory automation and motor-drive applications.
Real-time control systems require precise feedback, which requires using an accurate sensor. The TMAG5170's integration offers flexibility and accuracy in various position sensing systems.
The TMAG5170 is the first device in a new family of 3D Hall-effect position sensors that are designed to meet a wide range of industrial needs—from ultra-high performance to general purpose.
The device features three independent Hall sensors at the X, Y, and Z axes. A precision signal chain and an integrated 12-bit analog-to-digital converter enable high accuracy and low-drift magnetic field measurements while supporting a sampling of up to 20ksps. The TMAG5170 provides a low 2.6 percent full-scale total error at room temperature.
The integrated angle calculation engine (CORDIC) determines 360° angular position information for both on-axis and off-axis angle measurement topologies.
The sensor also provides integrated functions and diagnostics to maximize design flexibility and system safety while using at least 70 percent less power than comparable devices. The 10MHz Serial Peripheral Interface (SPI) communication features a user-enabled cyclic redundancy check to enhance data integrity.
TMAG5170 is available in an eight-pin, 4.9mm x 3mm very thin shrink small-outline package (VSSOP).
As real-time control technology advances, sensors must do their jobs to create a positive user experience and identify degradation, system and device-level failures, and safety issues. TI has the edge with its TMAG5170 Hall-effect sensors.
Tommy Cummings is a freelance writer/editor based in Texas. He's had a journalism career that has spanned more than 40 years. He contributes to Texas Monthly and Oklahoma Today magazines. He's also worked at The Dallas Morning News, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, San Francisco Chronicle, and others. Tommy covered the dot-com boom in Silicon Valley and has been a digital content and audience engagement editor at news outlets. Tommy worked at Mouser Electronics from 2018 to 2021 as a technical content and product content specialist.