Allegro Launches Revolutionary New Giant Magneto-Resistance Crankshaft and Camshaft Sensors for Hybrid Engine Platforms

Allegro Launches Revolutionary New Giant Magneto-Resistance Crankshaft and Camshaft Sensors for Hybrid Engine Platforms

Industry-leading giant magnetoresistive technology provides automakers with best-in-class performance and efficiency

Manchester, NH, USA - Allegro MicroSystems ( Allegro ) , a global leader in sensing technology and power semiconductor solutions for motion control and energy-efficient systems, has announced two new and more advanced giant magnetoresistive (GMR) crankshaft and camshaft sensors, the ATS16951 (crankshaft) and ATS16351 (camshaft) sensors, which are unique in the market and provide manufacturers with a single-supplier solution that is ideal for hybrid vehicle engines. They can also be extended to two-wheel electric vehicles, off-road vehicles, and applications that require extended air gap performance, helping engine designers reduce system complexity, cost and energy consumption, improve system efficiency, and minimize carbon emissions.

Despite the accelerating trend toward full electrification in the global automotive market, recent IHS forecasts indicate that by 2029, 81% of vehicles will still have some form of internal combustion engine, with full and mild hybrids being the most common. As engine architectures change to accommodate the transition to smaller hybrid designs, sensor accuracy and positioning flexibility will become more important than ever.

The ATS16951 reverse-biased GMR crankshaft sensor offers up to 40% higher edge repeatability and lower jitter than existing competitive products and traditional solutions, providing automakers with a better way to improve fuel efficiency through more accurate ignition and valve timing systems. The ATS16951 also allows for a larger air gap, which simplifies design, expands design margins and tolerance capabilities, and facilitates a wider range of sensor mounting locations.

With an industry-leading air gap that is 50% larger than existing products, the ATS16351 True Power State (TPOS) GMR camshaft sensor also enables increased design flexibility and improved immunity to stray field interference. It can be placed in almost any location, which is becoming increasingly important as some hybrid engines now include four camshaft sensors. Small spaces are often accompanied by high current transients, and engine designers need these camshaft sensors to work seamlessly with stray fields, and the differential GMR architecture of the ATS16351 also provides interference immunity that traditional or competitive solutions do not have.

Both sensors integrate Allegro’s Target Profile Diagnostic feature, which can evaluate the target during the manufacturing process and detect any subtle gear tooth anomalies before the engine is installed in the vehicle, helping to prevent possible warranty returns and improve customer satisfaction.

“Our new GMR crankshaft and camshaft sensors are optimized for future hybrid vehicle applications. With their high air gap and precision, these products are uniquely positioned to outperform competing technologies,” said Peter Wells, Director of Allegro’s Speed ​​and Sensor Interface business. “The automotive industry is rapidly transitioning to xEVs, and the high precision of the ATS16951 and ATS1635 will help automakers achieve the motor efficiency targets they need.”

High integration and excellent algorithms achieve high performance

Allegro combines advanced GMR technology with leading automotive-grade algorithms and packaging expertise to deliver a more sophisticated and comprehensive portfolio of engine sensors to meet the needs of today's system developers and manufacturers.

The ATS16951 combines the electrical requirements and package size of traditional solutions with sensor location flexibility, making it an easy replacement for existing Hall-effect crankshaft sensors and simplifying design reuse. It also enables programmable pulse positions between the center or edge of the target feature, as well as EEPROM programmable performance optimization and production traceability.

The ATS16351 is also highly programmable, allowing manufacturers to optimize TPOS performance for the widest range of engine designs.

The single-chip high-integration design of the two sensors can achieve excellent system performance and high-precision speed and position sensing. The universal fully integrated overmold package helps designers reduce design complexity and simplify the development process, and can also standardize supplier production lines. The three-pin single in-line package (SIP) integrates IC, magnet and EMC protection components to achieve flexible design and system compensation. Since the tolerance stack between IC and magnet is reduced, the sensor accuracy is improved and sufficient margin is left for the installation tolerance in the application. Precision assembly can further optimize the position of IC relative to the magnet.

The ATS16951 is developed according to the ISO 26262 standard. As a safety element with ASIL B capability (pending assessment), please integrate and use it as specified in the applicable safety manual and data sheet. It can be used in automotive safety-related system designs.

Pricing and Availability

Both the ATS16951 and ATS16351 are available in a 3-pin lead-free package (SM) with NiPdAu plating. For product pricing and samples, please contact Allegro Shanghai Branch or your local office. For datasheets and more information on Allegro speed and position sensors, including the new ATS16951 and ATS16351, visit the Allegro website.