Product FAQ

The time that a sensor is measuring a given physical quantity

Please refer to testing conditions and time under information on testing in specifications for each sensor.

I²C. Only pressure sensors also support SPI.

Our magnetic sensors make use of magnetoresistance effects. A magnetoresistive film can basically be divided into three layers – free, spacer and pinned layers. Resistance changes with the angle of the free layer relative to the pinned layer. Resistance is at its lowest when the angle is the same, at its highest when the layers face in opposite directions. Our magnetic sensors make use of these characteristics.

Low distortion and low variation

The orientation of the target magnetic field is different. When the respective components are surface mounted, a Hall sensor detects magnetic fields perpendicular to the surface it is mounted to, whereas a MR sensor detects parallel magnetic fields. For that reason, the relative positioning of magnets and sensors also differs.

For ordinary encoders, the magnet's magnetization pitch and the sensor pitch have to be aligned, but a product supporting variable pitch is not dependent on the magnetization pitch.

"Switching output" sensors are what Alps Alpine calls magnetic sensors that produce an "on" or "off" output depending on the strength of a magnetic field.

A square wave of voltage. A square wave is a waveform that alternates regularly and instantaneously between two levels – a high and a low voltage.

The field at the center of the sensor, but this varies with each product. Please check the datasheet for details.

They vary with each product. Please check the datasheet for details.