AMR Sensor with 3D Sensing Capabilities - Another World's First, from Murata

Murata Manufacturing Co., Ltd. (TOKYO:6981) (ISIN:JP3914400001) (hereinafter "Murata") has developed the world’s first AMR sensor with 3D sensing capabilities supporting 360-degree magnetic field detection with uniform sensitivity in all directions. Magnetic field detection in three-dimensional space previously required the use of multiple magnetic sensors in combination, but the new sensor makes 3D magnetic field detection possible using a single device.

Murata: World's first AMR Sensor with 3D Sensing Capabilities (Photo: Business Wire)

An anisotropic magneto-resistance (AMR) sensor is a type of magnetic sensor that utilizes a property such that the magnetic resistance value changes according to the strength of a magnetic field in a specific direction. These kinds of sensors are mainly used in applications such as mobile phones and notebook PCs, open/close detection in refrigerators and doors, and rotation detection in smart meters.
In response to feedback from customers indicating a need for AMR sensors with 3D sensing capabilities, Murata embarked in 2013 on the development of such devices, utilizing magnetic sensing technology and expertise acquired from NEC Corporation. By combining AMR element design technology and circuit design technology from NEC and Murata, this effort has resulted in the successful development of a sensor capable of 360-degree magnetic field detection with uniform sensitivity in all directions. Previous magnetic sensors had directional sensitivity characteristics that made them unsuitable for omnidirectional magnetic field detection, requiring three to six sensors for 3D sensing applications. The new sensor makes it possible to accomplish detection with a single device, thereby enabling customers to design products that are more compact and lower in cost.

[Features]
1. Capable of omnidirectional magnetic field detection over 360 degrees in parallel with the chip surface.

2. Compact Package
The compact package measuring only 1.45 × 1.45 × 0.55 mm is achieved by using a single element for omnidirectional detection.

[Applications]
• Magnetic tampering detection in power, gas, and water meters; security devices; game machines
• Mobile phone proximity switching in hearing aids

[Part number]
MRMS591A

[Production]
Sample shipments are scheduled to start in February 2014.
Mass production is scheduled to start in April 2014 at the Yamanashi Plant of Kanazawa Murata Manufacturing Co., Ltd. (500,000 units per month).

[Sample Price]
50 yen

Murata in Brief
Murata Manufacturing Co., Ltd. is a worldwide leader in the design, manufacture and sale of ceramic-based passive electronic components & solutions, communication modules and power supply modules. With annual revenues of ¥681 billion (~$6.8B USD), Murata is committed to the development of advanced electronic materials and leading edge, multi-functional, high-density modules. The company has employees and manufacturing facilities throughout the world. For more information, visit Murata's website at http://www.murata.com/

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