Because optical encoders are functionally similar, “resolution” is often used as a main characteristic for magnetic encoders (a device providing the angle of a magnet attached to a mechanical shaft, under a digital form). Resolution is a key parameter since it indicates the smallest angle that the sensor is capable of resolving. Unfortunately, when comparing products, users may often be misled, as...

Rotary dials are used in diverse applications for human-machine interfaces (HMI). Touch interfaces include the buttons, knobs, and dials on everyday devices, from automobiles and white goods, to the touch screen on your mobile phone. These devices not only translate human input into an electrical signal, but they also provide an important feature — haptic feedback. This is especially useful for sa...

Over the last several decades, product development has become more and more dominated by design and ergonomic aspects. We all happily embrace this as consumers, but as developing engineers we are also aware of the implications on our daily work. Complex functions get squeezed into tiny packages, and increasing numbers of applications are now battery-powered and mobile. This also has a significant...

The previous article discussed types of magnet and their uses with MPS MagAlpha sensors in “end of shaft” mode. This article will explore the “side shaft“ mode topology. MPS MagAlpha sensors utilize an array of Hall elements in the center of the IC that sense the horizontal vector of the field from the rotating magnet. This field typically comes from a simple two-pole, diam...

The mechanical potentiometers and switches used in most rotary user interfaces suffer from limited operating life and low reliability due to mechanical wear and susceptibility to environmental damage. This article discusses how magnetic contactless sensing can eliminate these issues and simultaneously provide additional benefits and features. Rotary knobs are used in a diversity of human-to-machi...

The MPS MagAlpha family offers rotary Hall effect magnetic sensors that sense the position of a magnet as it rotates above or at the side of the sensor. Exact magnet sizes, shapes, and materials should be selected depending on application requirements and target costs. This article discusses tradeoffs, and how to choose the best magnet for an application. MPS MagAlpha sensors utilize an array o...

Measuring angular movement or rotation in vehicles is becoming increasingly important as vehicles integrate more technologies and systems to aid their drivers. To simplify the number of user interfaces, many vehicle system options have become controllable via a single rotary knob selector. At the same time, many previously manual features, such as seat position, door closure, and tailgate mechanis...