| Operating Principle | Detects the direction of a magnetic field and converts the angular position of a rotating magnet into an electrical signal. | Provides non-contact position measurement, which reduces mechanical wear and eliminates the need for a sliding electrical contact. |
| Common Sensing Technologies | Hall-effect, AMR (anisotropic magnetoresistive), and TMR (tunnel magnetoresistive) technologies are widely used. | The technology affects sensitivity, noise performance, magnetic-field tolerance, power consumption, and cost. |
| Measurement Range | Many magnetic angle sensors measure from 0° to 360°; some applications use a limited mechanical range such as ±45°, ±90°, or ±180°. | The required angular range determines the magnet arrangement, signal-processing method, and calibration strategy. |
| Output Interfaces | Typical outputs include analog voltage, PWM, SENT, SPI, and I²C, depending on the sensor architecture. | The interface determines wiring complexity, controller compatibility, update rate, diagnostics, and resistance to electrical noise. |
| Resolution | Digital magnetic angle sensors commonly use internal signal conversion in the approximately 12-bit to 16-bit class, although the effective resolution depends on noise and system conditions. | Higher nominal resolution does not automatically provide higher real-world accuracy; signal quality and calibration are also critical. |
| Accuracy and Linearity | Practical accuracy ranges from below 1° to several degrees, depending on the sensor, magnet, air gap, temperature, calibration, and mechanical alignment. | System-level accuracy is normally determined by the complete magnetic and mechanical assembly rather than the IC alone. |
| Rotational Speed | Supported speed depends on sample rate, internal filtering, interface bandwidth, pole-pair configuration, and application requirements. | High-speed motor and actuator applications require sufficient update rate and low signal-processing latency. |
| Magnet Requirements | Diametrically magnetized or multipole ring magnets are commonly used. Magnet grade, diameter, axial position, and field uniformity must match the sensor design. | Magnet geometry and field strength directly influence angle error, operating gap, and temperature stability. |
| Air Gap and Alignment | The allowable air gap and radial or axial offset are application-specific and must be verified using the sensor's mechanical and magnetic specifications. | Changes in gap, eccentricity, tilt, or shaft runout can introduce periodic angle error and reduce repeatability. |
| Operating Temperature | Industrial and automotive versions are commonly specified across extended temperature ranges, often including approximately −40°C to +125°C; the exact range is device-specific. | Temperature changes affect sensor offset, sensitivity, magnet strength, mechanical dimensions, and overall angle accuracy. |
| Environmental Protection | Protection may be provided by package selection, conformal coating, sealing, or a separate housing. Finished assemblies can be designed for demanding dust, moisture, and vibration conditions. | The sensor package and installation method must match the application's exposure to water, oil, chemicals, vibration, and contamination. |
| Power Supply | Supply requirements vary by device; many modern magnetic angle ICs operate from low-voltage rails such as 3.3 V or 5 V. | Voltage compatibility, current consumption, transient protection, and electromagnetic compatibility must be checked at system level. |
| Calibration Features | Calibration may compensate for offset, gain, nonlinearity, magnet eccentricity, and temperature effects through hardware, software, or both. | Calibration can improve system accuracy when the magnet and sensor cannot be manufactured or assembled with ideal tolerances. |
| Typical Applications | Electric motor commutation, valve position feedback, robotics, industrial actuators, steering systems, throttle and pedal position sensing, and rotary controls. | The application determines the required accuracy, response time, diagnostics, environmental rating, and functional-safety level. |
| Manufacturer Selection Criteria | Evaluate verified datasheets, magnetic design support, calibration capability, production consistency, quality systems, traceability, testing capacity, lead time, and customization support. | A reliable supplier must be able to control both the electronic sensing element and the complete magnet-sensor assembly process. |