Continuous-Time Bipolar Switch
A1205
9
Allegro MicroSystems
955 Perimeter Road
Manchester, NH 03103-3353 U.S.A.
www.allegromicro.com
2
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Bipolar devices adopt an indeterminate output state when
powered-on in the absence of a magnetic field or in a field that
lies within the hysteresis band of the device.
For more information on Bipolar switches, refer to Application
Note 27705, Understanding Bipolar Hall Effect Sensor ICs.
Continuous-Time Benefits
Continuous-time devices, such as the A120x family, offer the fast-
est available power-on settling time and frequency response. Due
to offsets generated during the IC packaging process, continuous-
time devices typically require programming after packaging to
tighten magnetic parameter distributions. In contrast, chopper-
stabilized switches employ an offset cancellation technique on
the chip that eliminates these offsets without the need for after-
packaging programming. The tradeoff is a longer settling time
and reduced frequency response as a result of the chopper-stabili-
zation offset cancellation algorithm.
The choice between continuous-time and chopper-stabilized
designs is solely determined by the application. Battery manage-
ment is an example where continuous-time is often required. In
these applications, VCC is chopped with a very small duty cycle
in order to conserve power (refer to figure 2). The duty cycle
is controlled by the power-on time, tPO, of the device. Because
continuous-time devices have the shorter power-on time, they are
the clear choice for such applications.
For more information on the chopper stabilization technique,
refer to Technical Paper STP 97-10, Monolithic Magnetic Hall
Sensing Using Dynamic Quadrature Offset Cancellation and
Technical Paper STP 99-1, Chopper-Stabilized Amplifiers with a
Track-and-Hold Signal Demodulator.
Functional Safety
The A1205 complies with the international
standard for automotive functional safety,
ISO 26262:2011, as a Quality Managed (QM) product. The device
is classified as a SEooC (Safety Element out of Context) and can be
easily integrated into safety-critical systems requiring higher ASIL
ratings that incorporate external diagnostics or use measures such
as redundancy. Safety documentation will be provided to support
and guide the integration process. For further information, contact
your local Allegro field applications engineer or sales representa-
tive.
Additional Applications Information
Extensive applications information for Hall-effect devices is
available in:
• Hall-Effect IC Applications Guide, Application Note 27701
• Hall-Effect Devices: Gluing, Potting, Encapsulating, Lead
Welding and Lead Forming, Application Note 27703.1
• Soldering Methods for Allegro’s Products – SMT and Through-
Hole, Application Note 26009
All are provided on the Allegro website, www.allegromicro.com.
Figure 2: Continuous-Time Application, B < BRP
This figure illustrates the use of a quick cycle for chopping VCC in order to conserve battery power. Position 1, power is applied to the
device. Position 2, the output assumes the correct state at a time prior to the maximum Power-On Time, tPO(max). The case shown is where
the correct output state is HIGH
. Position 3, tPO(max) has elapsed. The device output is valid. Position 4, after the output is valid, a control unit
reads the output. Position 5, power is removed from the device.
VCC
VOUT
Output Sampled
1 5 4
2
t
t
t
PO(max)
3