TOKYO- January 30, 2012-Alps Electric has developed the HGPRDT Series high-precision latch 2-phase output^* type magnetic sensor for use in automotive equipment, supporting a wide operating temperature range between -40°C and +140°C, and high voltages up to 30V. Mass production commenced in January 2012.

Electronics are increasingly being incorporated into automobiles in order to achieve greater advancements in safety, comfort and convenience. As a result, more onboard automotive systems are electronically controlled, and numerous sensors are being incorporated to detect and control functioning of motor-driven systems used, for example, in moving parts of power windows and car navigation displays.
But in addition to the ability to withstand the high temperatures, vibrations and other impacts typically associated with automotive environments, such sensors must be long-lasting and highly resistant to dust and dirt.

The existing HGPFPT Series high-precision magnetic sensor offers excellent durability and reliability, as well as a long operating life, and can be used as a non-contact encoder. Alps has now developed the new HGPRDT Series high-precision magnetic sensor for automotive equipment supporting high temperatures and high voltages. Mass production is already underway.
Alps is currently bolstering its line-up of sensors tailored to a broad range of markets, from automobiles and industrial equipment through to consumer devices.

The integrated circuit (IC) inside the HGPRDT Series was designed in-house at the Sendai R&D Center (Sendai, Miyagi Prefecture). Having already introduced a wide variety of sensors, Alps was able to draw upon its extensive know-how relating to sensors acquired through experience in the market to develop the best IC for automotive equipment. The IC is designed to ensure maximum functionality even in the high-temperature and high-voltage environments that automotive equipment is subjected to.The result is an operating temperature range between -40°C and +140°C, the maximum temperature having been extended from +115°C. The maximum supply voltage has also been increased to 30V from 5.5V.

The HGPRDT Series also houses two high-precision sensing elements, allowing detection of rotation speed and direction at the same time. This helps to reduce the number of sensors required for a non-contact encoder and to save space inside automotive equipment.