IN Brief:
- TDK has introduced HAL 13xy factory-programmable dual-output 3D Hall-effect switch sensors.
- The family supports speed and direction sensing with flexible magnet placement and ASIL B readiness.
- Compact electric actuators are increasing demand for robust sensing across automotive, robotics, and industrial motion systems.
TDK has introduced the Micronas HAL 13xy family of factory-programmable dual-output 3D Hall-effect switch sensors for motor speed and direction detection.
The devices are aimed at automotive and industrial applications where compact electric drives need reliable position and speed sensing under tight mechanical constraints. The family uses TDK-Micronas 3D HAL technology, with three orthogonal Hall elements arranged in a pixel cell to measure two magnetic-field components simultaneously.
HAL 13xy provides 90° phase separation for quadrature signals that are inherently independent of magnet pole spacing and air gap. That gives product teams more freedom in sensor and magnet placement, reducing the mechanical sensitivity that can complicate encoder and motor-control designs.
The devices include two independent open-drain outputs that can be configured for quadrature speed/speed or speed/direction signals. The same sensor family can therefore support several compact drive architectures without forcing additional sensing components into already crowded assemblies.
Automotive target applications include seat-track motors, sunroof drives, tailgate motors, valve position, steering-column motors, steering turn-count sensing, and window lifters with anti-pinch functionality. The devices are also suited to robotics, smart-home devices, and industrial automation equipment where precise motion control is needed in limited space.
The family operates from a 3.0V to 24V supply and supports junction temperatures from -40°C to 170°C. Protection features include 40V load-dump robustness, -18V reverse-voltage protection, short-circuit protection, thermal protection, and continuous built-in self-test. The devices are qualified to AEC-Q100 and are ASIL B ready as a Safety Element out of Context under ISO 26262.
Motion sensing is becoming more demanding as actuators are added to more vehicle and industrial functions. Motors once used for simple open-loop movement are now expected to deliver controlled positioning, safety feedback, anti-pinch behaviour, smooth motion, and diagnostic information. Compact sensors have to absorb mechanical tolerance without weakening signal quality.
Sensor placement remains one of the persistent problems in small drive systems. Variations in air gap, magnet tolerance, temperature, vibration, and package position can affect output behaviour. A 3D Hall architecture that measures orthogonal field components can reduce dependency on a narrowly constrained mechanical arrangement, although system-level validation remains essential.
Vehicle sensing is also moving towards more integrated electronics, as shown by Infineon’s production radar MMIC. HAL 13xy operates in a lower-level actuator context, but it reflects the same direction of travel: sensing functions are being embedded more deeply into vehicle platforms and industrial machines.
The robotics context adds another layer of demand. Mobile robots, automated handling systems, and compact industrial actuators all rely on reliable feedback from motor and movement subsystems before higher-level autonomy can operate effectively. Hall-effect devices remain attractive where size, robustness, and non-contact measurement are more important than high-resolution optical encoding.
Samples of HAL 13xy are available, with production planned for October 2026. The device family gives compact drive designs a flexible sensing option where mechanical tolerances, safety requirements, and electronics density must be managed together.
