Absolute position detection system with mu m resolution using an integrated array of Hall sensors

We report on a innovative absolute position detection system with µm resolution based on magnetic pattern recognition. Main parts of the system are a single permanent magnet with diameter/length in the mm range, a fully integrated CMOS linear Hall sensor array and a muC. The system exhibits advantages like digital output and the of low resolution A/D-converter (12 bit) for building high resolution (> 13 bit) position detection systems.