Magnet Selection Guide

APPLICATION NOTE
AS5000 Series Magnetic Sensor Circuits

1 General Description As the magnet rotates over the chip, The Hall sensors create
sine and cosine signals with one period per revolution. An on-
This document provides basic guidelines to the selection
chip signal processor further interpolates these sinusoidal
of magnets used in combination with the AS5000-Series
signals into absolute vectors from 0…360° with high
magnetic rotary and linear motion detection circuits. It
resolution. Consequently, this method is capable of measuring
also provided suggestions for proper mounting of these
absolute angle information.
magnets in the devices for which the rotating angle is
being measured.

2 Measurement Principle
The AS5000-series magnetic sensor circuits are using
integrated lateral Hall sensors in standard CMOS
technology. Lateral Hall elements are sensitive to the
magnetic field component perpendicular to their surface.
This means they are only sensitive to magnetic fields
vertical to the IC surface.

BZ

Fig. 2: On-axis rotation measurement with diametric magnet

2.2 Linear Position Measurement

Fig. 1: Sensitivity of the integrated Hall elements For measuring linear position, the Hall sensors on the chip are
arranged in a straight line. Likewise, the corresponding
The AS500-series magnetic sensor circuits are a system- magnet is a so-called multipole strip, a magnetic bar with
on-chip, they contain all components required to create a equally spaced north and south poles.
non-contact rotation angle or linear position (see Fig. 3). The length of the poles matches the spacing of
measurement system. Basically, the only external the Hall sensors on the chip. As the magnet slides over the
component required is a magnet rotating over the surface Hall sensors again create sine and cosine signals, which are
of the IC. further interpolated into fine steps. As this method cannot
Depending on the type of measurement (rotation, tilt, provide absolute position information (theoretically only within
linear position), different magnets are used. one pole pair), it is typically used for incremental output, a
digital format providing two phase shifted pulses (as the target
moves. The phase shift determines the direction of movement
2.1 On-Axis Rotation Angle (left, right) and the number of pulses are proportional to the
Measurement travelled distance.
In this type of measurement, a magnet rotates over the
chip such that
• the center of the magnet,
• the center of rotation
• and the center of the chip
are in one vertical line (see Fig. 2).
The Hall elements on the chip are arranged in a circle of
typ. 2.2mm diameter. The measurement principle for
rotation angle measurement requires that the Hall
elements on the IC can sense a full magnetic period as
the magnet rotates. This requirement is obtained by
using a diametrically magnetized magnet (see Fig. 2 and
Fig. 8). Fig. 3: Linear position measurement with multipole strip

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AS5000 Series: Magnet Selection Guide
Application Note

The pole length of a multi-pole magnetic ring must match the

nominal pole length of the linear encoder IC. Linear encoder
2.3 Off-Axis Rotation Angle ICs available from austriamicrosystems include
Measurement
AS5304: pole length = 2.0 mm (interpolation = 160x)
In many cases, it is not possible to mount a magnet at AS5306 pole length = 1.2 mm (interpolation = 160x)
the end of a shaft, for example if the rotating shaft is AS5311 pole length = 1.0 mm (interpolation = 1024x –
hollow or if another device, such as a brake, clutch or incremental outputs)
joint must be mounted at this location. AS5311 pole length = 1.0 mm (interpolation = 4096x –
In this case, the same principle as the linear position absolute outputs)
method, described in 2.2 can be applied. The
corresponding ring magnet is again a multipole type, The diameter of a multipole magnet is calculated as:
with a pole pair length matching the spacing of the linear
Hall array in the chip. But instead of using a magnetic 2 * n * lP
bar, the multipole magnet is formed as a multipole ring d nom =
(see Fig. 4 and Fig. 5 ) π
where: n = number of pole pairs on the ring
lP = nominal pole length of encoder chip
dnom = nominal magnet ring diameter
The nominal diameter is the locus at which the Hall
sensors of the encoder IC should be placed. The exact
location of the Hall sensors relative to the IC package
are shown in the respective datasheet of the encoder
IC.
The inner and outer ring diameter should be selected
such that the nominal diameter is in the center of the
ring.
Fig. 4: Off-axis rotation angle measurement with multipole ring
and axial mounting of the sensor Note the curvature of the ring may create additional
linearity errors. These errors are reduced with
increasing ring diameter.

Example 1:
Encoder IC = AS5304, axial mounting (Fig. 4)
magnetic ring properties
(defined by the available space of the given application)
diameter: ~ 28mm
width: ~4mm

The circumference for this diameter would be 28mm*π

=87.9mm.
One pole for the AS5304 is 2.0mm, consequently the
circumference must be a multiple of one pole pair =
n * 4.0mm.
The closest fit is n=22 22 * 4 = 88mm

Fig. 5: Off-axis rotation angle measurement with multipole ring 2 * 22 * 2.0

and radial mounting of the sensor d nom = = 28.011mm
π
As the nominal diameter should be in the center of the
The sensor IC is mounted below the ring at a magnet and the width of the magnet ring is selected as
vertical distance of ~0.5 – 1.0 mm 4mm,
the inner diameter is chosen as 24mm
2.3.1 Calculation examples for multi-pole the outer diameter is chosen as 32mm
magnetic rings
the resolution of this ring is:
-see also: Application note. Multi-pole magnet pole pairs * interpolation factor =
requirements, available for download on the 22 * 160 = 3520 steps per revolutoin
austriamicrosystems website.

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Application Note

Note: the magnet in the above example is

available at the austriamicrosystems web shop as
part number AS5000-MR20-44

Example 2:
Encoder IC = AS5304, radial mounting (Fig. 5)

magnetic ring properties

(defined by the available space of the given
application)
shaft diameter: ~ 25mm
width: ~4mm
ring thickness: ~1.5mm
gap between magnet and IC: 0.5mm

The circumference at the locus of the Hall sensors

must include the shaft diameter, the thickness of
the magnet and the airgap:

diameter at Hall sensors =

25mm + 2* 1.5mm + 2* 0.5mm= 29mm.

The circumference for this diameter would be

29mm*π =91.1mm.
One pole for the AS5304 is 2.0mm, consequently
the circumference must be a multiple of one pole
pair = n * 4.0mm.
Fig. 6: small angle high resolution measurement setup
The closest fit is n=23 23 * 4 = 92mm
Fig. 6 shows an example of such a high resolution absolute
2 * 23 * 2.0 measurement setup. The rectangular bar in this example is
d nom = = 29.29mm
π rotated about the pivot point by 22°. This angle can be
resolved with a resolution of 12-bit (position 0…..4095), which
As the shaft diameter should not be changed results in an angle resolution of 0.0054° per step
(25mm), the remaining gap between shaft and IC (= 22° / 4096 ) or an equivalent of ~16-bit per revolution.
is (29.29 – 25) / 2 = 2.15mm
the magnet thickness remains at 1.5mm, The magnet, connected to the rotating bar must be placed
the remaining airgap is 0.65mm. such that it travels exactly one pole pair length from one stop
position to the other.
the proper radial magnet dimensions for this In case of the AS5311, the pole pair length is 2 mm. This pole
example would be: length is fixed, therefore the measured angle determines the
correct placement of the IC + Magnet relative to the pivot
inner diameter: 25mm point.
outer diameter: 28mm The distance: Hall Array to pivot point = measurement radius
ring width : 4mm can be calculated as:
airgap : 0.65mm
polelength * 360 114.6
r= ⇒ forAS 5311 : r =
π *α α
2.4 High resolution measurement of
small angles where: r = measurement radius
(distance: pivot point to Hall array)
α = measured maximum angle
The measurement setup shown in Fig. 4 is a
typical application for incremental off-axis angle In the above example, using an AS5311 chip with a nominal
sensing. A similar setup can be used to measure pole length of 1.0mm and an angle stroke of 22°, the
small angles with high resolution in absolute measurement radius would be 5.2mm .
values. Linear Encoders, such as the AS5311 can
also provide absolute information of the magnet’s
position within one pole pair. If the small angle
measurement is set up such that the magnet
moves exactly the length of one pole pair within
the angle to be measured, an absolute high
resolution angle measurement can be achieved.

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Application Note

2.5 Tilt Measurement

The on-axis rotation angle measurement principle
described in 2.1 can also be used for tilt measurement,
for example for non-contact joysticks.
For this type of measurement, an axial magnet is
h = typ. 2.5mm
required (see Fig. 7 ), where the north and south poles lie
in the center axis (top and bottom).
N S
The output of the angle encoder changes accordingly,
when an axial magnet is used instead of a diametrically
magnetized magnet: d = typ. 6mm

Encoder function Diametrical Axial Fig. 8: Diametrically magnetized magnet for rotation angle
angle output rotation angle direction of tilt measurements
magnitude output strength of degree of tilt
(not available on magnetic field
all products)

2.6 Lateral Shift Measurement

Similar to the tilt measurement, an axially magnetized magnet
is also used in manual input applications where a button
containing the magnet is sliding over the chip in a cursor-like
N fashion in x- and y- direction.
h = typ. 2.5mm In this kind of measurement, the differential signals of two
opposite Hall sensors in x- and y- direction are evaluated:

S X- position = right sensor – left sensor

Y- position = top sensor – bottom sensor
d = typ. 6mm
3 Magnet Materials
Fig. 7: Axial magnet for tilt and lateral shift measurement For on-axis rotation measurement (see 2.1) as well as
tilt measurement (see 2.5) and
lateral shift measurement (see 2.6)
it is recommended to use rare earth magnets such as
Neodymium-Iron-Boron (NdFeB) or Samarium-Cobalt
(SmCo) magnets. The latter ones are available as SmCo5 or
as Sm2Co17 material.

For linear position (see 2.2) and off-axis rotation measurement

(see 0), multipole magnets made of hard ferrite or rubber
bonded strontium ferrite magnets can be used.

4 NdFeB vs. SmCo

Property NdFeB magnets SmCo magnets

Temperature coefficient -0.09 …. -0.12 %/K -0.032….-0.04 %/K

Max. operating temperature 80…180°C 250…300°C
Remanence (strength) 1.02 - 1.46 T 0.86 - 1.18 T
Curie temperature 310 – 380°C < 720 °C
Corrosion protection Yes, typ. Nickel Not required
Cost $$ $$$
Table 1: NdFeB versus SmCo magnets

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Application Note

Table 1 shows a comparison between Neodymium-Iron-Boron (NdFeB) and Samarium-Cobalt (SmCo) magnets. Advantages
over the other type are shown with green background, disadvantages are shown with red background. SmCo-magnets have a
temperature stability that is about 3 times better than NdFeB ( -0.035 to -0.04 %/°C) and can be operated at much higher
temperatures (typ. 250 to 300°C operating, 720°C Curie temperature).
They are also less corrosive than NdFeB magnets and need no protective coating. However, they are also more expensive and
not as strong as NdFeB magnets.
It is therefore strongly recommended to ensure that the protective coating of NdFeB magnets is not scratched during the process
of inserting the magnet in a shaft or other rotating medium. The exposed NdFeB area may corrode quickly and eventually cause
the magnet to break.

4.1 Magnetic Material Grades

Both SmCo and NdFeB magnets are available in different grades, mainly determined by the Remanence, essentially the strength
of the magnet.
The recommended magnet grade for the AS5000-series when used for on-axis angle measurement is N35H for NdFeB magnets
(austriamicrosystems part nbr. M1 and M2) and SG-30 for Sm2Co17 magnets.
Note that NdFeB magnets have a lower operating temperature than SmCo magnets. A grade N35H has a maximum operating
temperature of 120°C. If the magnet is to be operated at higher ambient temperatures, it is recommended to use a N35SH
grade, which can operate up to 150°C (austriamicrosystems part nbr: AS5000-MH1).

Table 2: SmCo magnet grades (www.bomatec.ch)

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Application Note

Table 3: NdFeB magnet grades (www.bomatec.ch)

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Application Note

5 Magnet Diameter and Vertical Distance

5.1 The Linear Range

As described in section 2, the Hall elements used in the AS5000-series sensor ICs are sensitive to the magnetic field component
Bz, which is the magnetic field vertical to the chip surface. Fig. 9 shows a 3-dimensional graph of the Bz field across the surface
of a 6mm diameter, cylindrical NdFeB N35H magnet at an axial distance of 1mm between magnet and IC.
The highest magnetic field occurs at the north and south poles, which are located close to the edge of the magnet, at ~2.8mm
radius (see also Fig. 10). Following the poles towards the center of the magnet, the Bz field decreases very linearly within a
radius of ~1.6mm. This linear range is the operating range of the magnet with respect to the Hall sensor array on the chip. For
best performance, the Hall elements should always be within this linear range.

BZ; 6mm magnet @ Z=1mm

area of X-Y-misalignment from

N center: +/- 0.5mm

125 circle of Hall elements on

chip
100
75
50
25
Bz [mT] 0
-25
-50
-75
-100 4
3
-125 2
4
3
S 1
0
2 -1
1
0 -2
Y-displacement [mm]
-1 -3
X-displacement [mm] -2
-4
-3
-4

Fig. 9: 3D-graph of vertical magnetic field of a 6mm cylindrical magnet

As shown in Fig. 10 (grey zone), the Hall elements are Consequently, the larger the linear range, the more radial
located on the chip at a circle with a radius of 1.1mm. misalignment can be tolerated. By contrast, the slope of the
Since the difference between two opposite Hall sensors linear range decreases with increasing magnet diameter, as
is measured, there will be no difference in signal the poles are further apart. A smaller slope results in a
amplitude when the magnet is perfectly centered or if the smaller differential signal, which means that the magnet must
magnet is misaligned in any direction as long as all Hall be moved closer to the IC (smaller airgap) or the
elements stay within the linear range ! For the 6mm amplification gain must be increased which leads to a poorer
magnet shown in Fig. 10, the linear range has a radius of signal – to – noise ratio. More noise results in more jitter at
1.6mm, so this magnet allows a radial misalignment of the angle output. A good compromise is a magnet diameter
0.5mm (1.6mm linear range radius – 1.1mm Hall array in the range of 5…8mm.
radius).

Small diameter magnet (<6mm): Large diameter magnet (>6mm):

+++ stronger differential signal = +++ wider linear range =

good signal / noise ratio, larger horizontal misalignment area
larger airgaps
--- shorter linear range = -- weaker differential signal =
smaller horizontal misalignment area poorer signal / noise ratio,
smaller airgaps

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Application Note

Bz; 6mm magnet @y=0; z=1mm

N 150
S
100

50

Bz [mT]
0

-50

-100

Hall elements (side view)

-150
3,50
3.50 2,50
2.50 1,50
1.50 0,50
0.50 -0,50
-0.50 -1,50
-1.50 -2,50
-2.50 -3,50
-3.50
X-displacement [mm]

Fig. 10: Vertical magnetic field across the center of a cylindrical magnet

5.2 Magnet Thickness

Fig. 11 shows the relationship of the peak amplitude in a rotating system (essentially the magnetic field strength of the Bz field
component) in relation to the thickness of the magnet. The X-axis shows the ratio of magnet thickness (or height) [h] to magnet
diameter [d] and the Y-axis shows the relative peak amplitude with reference to the recommended magnet (d=6mm, h=2.5mm) .
This results in an h/d ratio of 0.42.

Bz amplitude vs. magnet thickness

of a cylindrical diametric magnet with 6mm diameter

160%

140%
relative peak amplitude [%]

120%

100%

80%

60%
d= 6mm x h= 2.5mm ref. magnet:
40% h/d = 0.42
rel. amplitude = 100%
20%

0%
0.0 0.2 0.4 0.6 0.8 1.0 1.2 1.4 1.6 1.8
thickness to diameter [h/d] ratio

Fig. 11: Relationship of peak amplitude versus magnet thickness

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As the graph shows, the amplitude drops significantly at h/d ratios below this value and remains relatively flat at ratios above 1.3.
Therefore, the recommended thickness of 2.5mm ( @6mm diameter) should be considered as the low limit with regards to
magnet thickness.
It is possible to get 40% or more signal amplitude by using thicker magnets. However, the gain in signal amplitude becomes less
significant for h/d ratios >~1.3. Therefore, the recommended magnet thickness for a 6mm diameter magnet is between 2.5 and
~8 mm.

5.3 Axial Distance (Airgap)

The recommended magnetic field, measured at the chip surface on a

Bv (45…75mT) radius equal to the Hall sensor array radius (typ. 1.1mm) should be
vertical field within a certain range. This range lies between 45 and 75mT or between
component 20 and 80mT, depending on the encoder product.
Linear position sensors are more sensitive as they use weaker magnets.
0° The allowed magnetic range lies typically between 5 and 60mT.
360°
Check the corresponding product datasheet for details.

Fig. 12: Sinusoidal magnetic field generated by the rotating magnet

5.4 Angle Error versus Radial and Axial Misalignment

The angle error is the deviation of the actual angle versus the angle measured by the encoder. There are several factors in the
chip itself that contribute to this error, mainly offset and gain matching of the amplifiers in the analog signal path. On the other
hand, there is the nonlinearity of the signals coming from the Hall sensors, caused by misalignment of the magnet and
imperfections in the magnetic material.
Ideally, the Hall sensor signals should be sinusoidal, with equal peak amplitude of each signal. This can be maintained, as long
as all Hall elements are within the linear range of the magnetic field Bz (see Fig. 10 )

This is also reflected in graphs (Fig. 13 to Fig. 15):

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Application Note

INL error: 5x3mm magnet

Fig. 13 is a 3D-Plot of the angular error from a 5mm
diameter magnet at an axial distance of 0.5mm. The X-
and Y- axis of the plot is the radial misalignment of the
magnet with respect to the IC. At X = 0, Y = 0 the magnet 8
is perfectly centered over the chip. The maximum radial 7
6
misalignment is +/-1mm in both axes. The grid size is 5
4
0.1mm. max.INL error (°)
3
2
The Z-axis is the maximum angle error over one full turn. 1
-10000 800
The angle data is taken as it is read from the chip. No -600 500
200
calibration or postprocessing is made. Same colors are -200
-100
200
same error ranges, in steps of 1°. 600
-400
-700
1000 -1000

The graph shows that the angle error remains below 1°,
Fig. 13: Angle error of 5mm diameter magnet at 0.5mm airgap
even if the magnet is out of center by ~0.4mm (~4 grid
steps from the center). This is the area in which the Hall
elements are within the linear range of the 5mm magnet.
As soon as the Hall elements are shifted out of the linear
Max INL error, 6mm magnet, 0.5mm gap
range, as they are shifted towards the poles where the
curve reaches its peak, the angle error increases fairly
sharp.

Fig. 14 is measured with the same conditions as Fig. 13, 8

except that the magnet diameter is increased from 5mm Error [°]
7
6
to 6mm. The Bz gradient of the 6mm magnet is also 5
4
shown in Fig. 10. Since the diameter of the magnet has 3
2
increased by 1mm, the linear range also increases by 1
1000
-1000 0
about the same amount. This increase gains also about -500
600

+/-0.5mm of radial misalignment range, which is reflected 0

200
-200
in the graph. Even at ~ +/-0.9mm misalignment, the error 500 -600
X [um] Y [um]
is still better than 1°. 1000 -1000

Fig. 15 is again using a 6mm magnet, this time the axial Fig. 14: Angle error of 6mm diameter magnet at 0.5 mm airgap
distance is increased from 0.5mm to 1.0mm. The
misalignment range in this case drops to ~ +/- 0.5mm for
better than 1° angle error. Fig. 10 shows the Bz curve
max. INL error, 6mm magnet, 1mm gap
under the same conditions. It also reflects that there is
about 0.5mm misalignment range from the 1.1mm radius
of the Hall sensor circle, before the curve becomes non-
linear.
8
7
6
5.4.1 Summary Error [°]
5
4
Small diameter magnets (<6mm Ø) have a shorter linear 3
2
range and allow less lateral misalignment. The steeper -1000
1
0
800
slope allows larger axial distances. -600 500
Large diameter magnets (>6 mm Ø) have a wider linear -200 200
-100
200
range and allow a wider lateral misalignment. The flatter X [um] 600
-400 Y [um]
-700
slope requires shorter axial distances. 1000 -1000

The linear range decreases with airgap, Best Fig. 15: Angle error of 6mm diameter magnet at 1 mm airgap
performance is achieved at shorter airgaps.
The ideal vertical distance range can be determined by
using magnetic range indicators provided by the encoder
ICs. These indicators are named MagInc, MagDec,
MagRngn, or similar, depending on product.

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6 Extending the Vertical Range

N43SH magnetic field Bz

200
z=1mm
150
z=2mm
100

50
Bz [mT]

0
-10 -9 -8 -7 -6 -5 -4 -3 -2 -1 0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10
-50
z=3mm
-100

-150 location of Hall elements

(1.1mm radius)
-200
X [mm]

Fig. 16: Vertical field Bz of a N43SH magnet at different vertical distances

Similar to Fig. 10, which shows the Bz curve of a N35H magnet, Fig. 16 shows the Bz curve of a stronger, N43SH magnet with the
same mechanical dimensions: 6mm diameter, 2.5mm height.
Measured at a distance of 1mm, the N35H magnet peaks at ~110mT (Fig. 10) and the N43SH magnet has a peak around 145mT.
The critical spot is the magnetic field at the location of the Hall elements, at a radius of 1.1mm. This level should be in the range of
45…75mT (see Fig. 12).
While the N35H magnet has ~50mT at 1.1mm radius and 1mm air gap (Fig. 10), the N43SH magnet shows ~64mT at the same gap,
~40mT at 2mm distance and ~20mT at 3mm distance.
150
z=1mm

100

z=2mm
50

0
-2.5 -2 -1.5 -1 -0.5 0 0.5 1 1.5 2 2.5
z=3mm
-50

-100

-150

Fig. 17: Linear range at different vertical distances (magnified view of Fig. 16)

Fig. 17 shows an expanded view of Fig. 16 around the center of the magnet. Superimposed to each graph is a straight line which
shows the ideal linear range, which is the ideal working point for best accuracy. It shows that the linear range decreases with airgap:
While it is about +/-2.4mm at 1mm gap, it drops to +/-1.5mm at 3mm airgap, considering an allowed deviation of 5% (as shown in the
encoder datasheets)
Given a Hall sensor radius of 1.1mm, the radial misalignment tolerance is ~ +/-1.3mm at 1mm distance, which drops to +/- 0.4mm at
3mm distance. The sensors will still operate satisfactorily at larger radial misalignment, but the accuracy will be slightly reduced. This
is also reflected in graphs Fig. 14 and Fig. 15.

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6.1 Field Non-Linearity

Magnetic Field Non-Linearity is the deviation of the measured linear range compared to an ideal straight line. Fig. 17 shows a
straight line superimposed to each measured magnetic curve. The dotted vertical line marks the radial distance where the deviation
is at the specified limit of 5%.

6.2 Magnetic Offset

A magnet may have a magnetic offset, which can be determined for example by finding the highest positive and highest negative
magnetic field strength in a Bz field scan parallel to the poles of the magnet. If they do not match in magnitude, there is a magnetic
offset in the magnetization of the magnet.
Fig. 16 shows an example of a magnetic offset: the maximum positive peak is about 10mT larger than the maximum negative peak.
For example, the curve for 1mm distance shows a positive peak at +150mT, while the negative peak is at -140mT. This is an
indication of a 5mT magnetic offset:
nominal magnetization = +/-145mT
offset = +5mT
result = +/-145mT + 5mT = -140mT / +150mT

This is acceptable in this case, the maximum magnetic offset should be less than +/-10mT.

6.3 Characteristic Scans of Diametric Magnets

For rotation angle measurements, diametric magnets are used. There are two key figures that relate to the quality of the magnet and
hence the accuracy of the angle measurement results. Essentially, the Hall sensors on the IC are sensitive to the vertical magnetic
field component Bz. So primarily, only this magnetic field is of interest. Magnetic fields, coming from the horizontal direction (= the
plane of the IC surface), whether they are coming from the sensor magnet or from an external disturbing magnetic source, cannot be
“seen” by the Hall sensors and are therefore of no value to the measurement result.

This reduces the characteristics of the sensor magnet to two essential curves:
• the rotational scan, which is the vertical magnetic field at the location of the Hall elements. It provides a feedback about the
quality of the sinewave that is measured by the Hall elements as the magnet rotates.
• the linearity scan, which senses the linear range between the poles and provides a feedback about the expected horizontal
misalignment tolerance of the magnet with respect to the IC

The rotational scan is a circular scan around the rotation axis of the magnet, measured at a radius of 1.1mm, which is the radius of
the Hall sensor array on the IC. Note that some rotary sensors ICs, like the AS5030 have a slightly smaller radius of 1.0mm. It is
recommended to check the parameter “Hall Array radius” in the datasheet of the rotary sensor IC intended for use; see also: 5.3.

The linearity scan is a straight scan across the poles of the magnet. Care should be taken to scan both over the poles (= location of
maximum magnetic field) and over the rotation axis of the magnet (= zero magnetic field zone); see also: 5.1.

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rotational scan Bz
r=1.1mm

N S
0° 360°

linearity scan Bz
r=1.1mm N
N S

Fig. 18: Characteristic scan curves of diametric magnets for rotation angle measurements

7 Circular, Square or Rectangular Magnets?

As shown in Fig. 18, both round as well as square (or rectangular) magnets may be used. As a rule of thumb, a square or
rectangular magnet is only as good as a round magnet with the same diameter as the width of the square or rectangle. The key
parameters in each case (round or square) are an undistorted sinewave obtained by a rotational scan and a wide linear range
obtained by a linearity scan.
Note that when using rectangular or square magnets, the orientation of the magnetic field is not always perfectly in line with the
geometry of the magnet shape. The angular error is typically +/-3….+/-5°. Check with your magnet supplier for detailed
specifications regarding DOM (Direction Of Magnetization).

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8 Mounting the Magnet Even paramagnetic material, such as aluminum may be

used. The magnet may be mounted directly in the shaft (see
Generally, for on-axis rotation angle measurement, the Fig. 20).
magnet must be mounted centered over the IC package
(see 2.1). However, the material of the shaft into which Note: stainless steel may also be used, but some grades are
the magnet is mounted, is also of big importance. magnetic, they should be avoided.
Magnetic materials in the vicinity of the magnet will distort
or weaken the magnetic field being picked up by the Hall
elements and cause additional errors in the angular
output of the sensor.

Fig. 21: Magnetic field lines in iron shaft

If the magnet is mounted in a ferromagnetic material, such as

iron, most of the field lines are attracted by the iron and flow
Fig. 19: Magnetic field lines in air inside the metal shaft (see Fig. 21). The magnet is weakened
substantially. This configuration should be avoided !!
Fig. 19 shows the ideal case with the magnet in air. No
magnetic materials are anywhere nearby.

Fig. 22: Magnetic field lines with spacer between magnet and iron
shaft

Fig. 20: Magnetic field lines in plastic or copper shaft If the magnet has to be mounted inside a magnetic shaft, a
possible solution is to place a non-magnetic spacer between
shaft and magnet, as shown in Fig. 22. While the magnetic
field is rather distorted towards the shaft, there are still
If the magnet is mounted in non-magnetic material, such adequate field lines available towards the sensor IC. The
as plastic or diamagnetic material, such as copper, the distortion remains reasonably low.
magnetic field distribution is not disturbed.

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AS5000 Series: Magnet Selection Guide
Application Note

9 Magnets available at austriamicrosystems Online Shop

austriamicrosystems offers a number of magnet samples for the AS5000 encoder family at the online webshop.
See the “magnets” section of the Magnetic Encoder product pages of the austriamicrosystems website:
http://www.austriamicrosystems.com/eng/Products/Magnetic-Encoders

10 Which IC for which Magnet and Application?

Depending on the application, different magnet types must be used. These could include diametric or
axial 2-pole magnets as well as multi-pole magnetic strips and rings.
See the “magnets” section of the Magnetic Encoder product pages of the austriamicrosystems website:
http://www.austriamicrosystems.com/eng/Products/Magnetic-Encoders

11 Recommended Magnet Suppliers

Proper magnets for the austriamicrosystems magnetic Encoder family are available from many vendors. The customer is free to
select a magnet supplier of his preference. As a guideline, austriamicrosystems offers a list of recommended magnet suppliers
in the Magnetic Encoder product pages of the austriamicrosystems website:
http://www.austriamicrosystems.com/eng/Products/Magnetic-Encoders

Note that austriamicrosystems does not assume responsibility on the quality of the magnets supplied by these companies.

12 Contact
Headquarters
austriamicrosystems AG
A 8141 Schloss Premstätten, Austria
Phone: +43 3136 500 0
Fax: +43 3136 525 01

13 Copyright
Devices sold by austriamicrosystems are covered by the warranty and patent indemnification provisions appearing in its Term of
Sale. austriamicrosystems makes no warranty, express, statutory, implied, or by description regarding the information set forth
herein or regarding the freedom of the described devices from patent infringement. austriamicrosystems reserves the right to
change specifications and prices at any time and without notice. Therefore, prior to designing this product into a system, it is
necessary to check with austriamicrosystems for current information. This product is intended for use in normal commercial
applications.
Copyright © 2009 austriamicrosystems. Trademarks registered ®. All rights reserved. The material herein may not be
reproduced, adapted, merged, translated, stored, or used without the prior written consent of the copyright owner. To the best of
its knowledge, austriamicrosystems asserts that the information contained in this publication is accurate and correct. However,
austriamicrosystems shall not be liable to recipient or any third party for any damages, including but not limited to personal injury,
property damage, loss of profits, loss of use, interruption of business or indirect, special, incidental or consequential damages, of
any kind, in connection with or arising out of the furnishing, performance or use of the technical data herein. No obligation or
liability to recipient or any third party shall arise or flow out of austriamicrosystems rendering of technical or other services.

Revision 1.4 www.austriamicrosystems.com Page 15 of 15