Vishay Spectrol Hall Effect Rotary Position Sensor Provides Long Life, High Precision in Control and Feedback Systems

New Sensor With Non-Contacting Magnetic Technology Features Programmable Offset, Gain, and Temperature Coefficient at Manufacture

MALVERN, PENNSYLVANIA — June 17, 2002 — A new Hall Effect rotary sensor with programmable temperature coefficient and customizable offset and gain control was announced today by Vishay Intertechnology, Inc. (NYSE: VSH). Rated for 10 million lifecycles, the ultra-long-life Vishay Spectrol Model RPS sensor provides a cost-effective non-contacting solution for reliable operation in control and feedback systems. The new sensor is designed for marine, automotive, aircraft, and industrial equipment applications including throttle position, foot pedal position, rudder control steering position, and flap control.

The new rotary position sensor is a three-terminal voltage-output device capable of resolving rotation up to 180°, with additional electrical angles of 45°, 60°, 80°, and 90° (±2°). The Model RPS sensor features a bush-and-shaft configuration — with mass and dimensions similar to most contacting potentiometers - in which a Hall Effect IC is mounted. One or a pair of magnets rotates around the IC, changing the magnetic field and causing the output of the Hall device to swing from 0 V to the device's maximum supply voltage, 5 V, ±10%.

Built on non-contacting magnetic technology, the new rotary position sensor eliminates the problem of contact wear and, as a result, outlasts typical contacting sensors. With a load life of more than 10,000 hours, an operating range of -40°C to +85°C, and high resistance to vibration and shock, the Model RPS provides a rugged, reliable, and cost-saving sensing solution.

The Model RPS features electrical output ranges of 0% - 100%, 5% - 45%, 5% - 95%, and 10% - 90% of applied voltage with a tight linearity of ±2% or less. Specific linear outputs also are available. The sensor is specified for a maximum output of 2 mA (source or sink), a typical supply current of 5 mA, and maximum over- and reverse-voltage protection of 18 VDC and -14.5 VDC, respectively.

Standard part configurations for various specifications and a conventional bush-and-shaft configuration enable designers to incorporate the Model RPS into end products without significantly altering the mechanical design. The sensor is constructed in a stainless steel canister with a flatted or slotted shaft and with solder lugs or wire leads.

Samples of the Vishay Spectrol Model RPS are available now, with lead times of 10 to 12 weeks for production quantities.

Vishay Intertechnology, Inc., a Fortune 1,000 Company listed on the NYSE (VSH), is one of the world's largest manufacturers of discrete semiconductors (diodes, rectifiers, transistors, and optoelectronics and selected ICs) and passive electronic components (resistors, capacitors, inductors, sensors, and transducers). These components are used in virtually all types of electronic devices and equipment, in the industrial, computing, automotive, consumer, telecommunications, military, aerospace, and medical markets. Its product innovations, successful acquisition strategy, and ability to provide "one-stop shop" service have made Vishay a global industry leader. Vishay can be found on the Internet at http://www.vishay.com.