HKZ 121
Function
The Hall-effect switch is actuated by a soft-iron vane that passes through the air gap between
magnet and Hall-effect sensor. The vane short-circuits the magnetic flux before the hall-effect
sensor, as shown below. The open collector output is conductive (low) when the vane is
outside the air gap, and blocks (high) when the vane is introduced into the air gap. The output
remains high as long as the vane remains in the air gap. This static function does not require
a minimum operating frequency. The output signal shape is independent of the operating
frequency.
The circuit features integrated overvoltage protection against most of the voltage peaks occur-
ring in automotive and industrial applications. The output stage has a Schmitt trigger charac-
teristic. Most electronic circuits can be driven directly due to the open collector output current
of max. 40 mA.
Principle of Operation
Mechanical Characteristics
The Hall-effect vane switch is hermetically sealed in a special plastic package, so that it can
also be used under harsh environmental conditions. The package is waterproof, vibration-
resistant and resistant to gasoline, oil and salt. Two tubular rivets are incorporated in the
package to mount the sensor on its carrier plate. The circuit has three flexible leads for power
supply, output and ground.
a) Magnetic flux through the
Hall-effect switch
with no vane
in the gap
b) Magnetic flux
short-circuited by
the soft-iron
vane