austriamicrosystems AS5048 14-bit magnetic encoder IC

austriamicrosystems has released the AS5048, a 14-bit magnetic encoder IC offering new features that make it easier to achieve accurate, reliable angle measurements in microcontroller-based applications.

The device, which provides a PWM output and either an SPI or I2C interface, supplies absolute angle measurements to a host microcontroller. The application's mechanical design does not need to allow for precise initial alignment of the sensor IC and the two-pole magnet it is paired with.

Instead, the zero position is programmed into the encoder one time only, on assembly, via an SPI or I2C command, with no requirement for special programming.

The device is also tolerant of misalignment between the sensor IC and its paired magnet and of variations in the air gap, as well as variations in temperature from -40 to 150°C.

Its 14-bit measurement engine provides resolution down to 0.0219°. With linearisation and averaging implemented in the host microcontroller, it can deliver angle measurements accurate to 0.05°.

An internal voltage regulator enables it to operate from either a 3.3 or 5 V supply. It is available in a 14-pin TSSOP package. Multiple devices can be daisy chained to produce a serial data read-out.