6 Summary

Linear Hall sensors are powerful devices to enable robust position tracking by providing critical mechanical feedback via contactless sensing. This can be particularly helpful in increasing overall system reliability. As magnet size increases, cost and availability can limit manufacturability. In these cases, it is often more practical to use linear arrays of sensors. When a linear array is implemented correctly, a modestly sized magnet allows for an accurate working solution.

The linear Hall sensor array has a practical use in any scenario that requires continuous granularity across distances larger than the length of the magnet. The simple algorithm scales easily so long as there is means to accumulate all the output data. With an understanding of the errors that can be present, a high degree of accuracy can be achieved.

This can be applied to track the position of an actuator or other type of mechanical plunger, control a knob such as a cordless drill torque selector, monitor an object sliding along either a straight or curved track, and so forth. By adding additional sensors the measurable transit of a magnet becomes multiplied and allows for a wide range of creativity in design.