New Merged Technology Combines Hall Effect Sensors with Intelligence and Power on a Single Chip

An innovative IC development “merges” Hall effect sensing with the control circuitry, protective functions, and the high-current outputs necessary to power a new series of brushless dc (fan) motors. This proprietary and single-chip design replaces a separate Hall sensor IC and the various other components (many discretes) and provides the position and rotational sensing, the commutation circuitry, and switching functions required in a 2-phase, unipolar motor. Additionally, this custom IC includes several advantages and features not (usually) included in “discrete” designs: internal zener diode for limiting “flyback” voltage, output current limiting (with an option for further reduction), output enable (PWM speed control), and thermal shutdown. This. paper will highlight the functions, limits, merits, and potential for the “merging” of magnetic sensing and power.