Magnetic Rotary Encoder Enhances Battery Powered Designs

Tailored for battery operated apps, the AS5055 magnetic rotary encoder with automatic power-down and wake-up modes integrates four Hall sensor elements, a 12-bit angle encoder, smart power management controller, and a three- or four-wire SPI. Depending on the readout rate, the device’s current consumption is reduced to approximately 50 µA average at 10 measurements per second; reportedly the lowest in the industry. It performs all angle calculations as well as automatic power up and down and only draws current when a new measurement is requested by the host controller. As soon as a measurement is complete, the encoder automatically powers down. Available in a 16-pin QFN measuring 4 mm x 4 mm and operating from a 3.3V supply, ambient operating temperature range is from -20°C to +85°C. Price for the AS5055 is $2.69 each/10,000. AUSTRIAMICROSYSTEMS USA INC., Raleigh, NC. (919) 676-5292.