New Scale Technologies has announced improved 0.5¼m resolution and additional packaging options for its miniature TRACKER position sensor. This robust non-contact sensor is ideal for applications such as optical imaging stabilization and zoom in digital cameras, phone cameras, binoculars and other optical devices. It is also suitable for a wide range of other applications including consumer electronics, precision biomedical devices, optical instrumentation, automation and automotive systems.
Published May 31, 2009
New Scale Technologies has announced improved 0.5μm resolution and additional packaging options for its miniature TRACKER position sensor. This robust non-contact sensor is ideal for applications such as optical imaging stabilization and zoom in digital cameras, phone cameras, binoculars and other optical devices. It is also suitable for a wide range of other applications including consumer electronics, precision biomedical devices, optical instrumentation, automation and automotive systems.
In addition to the standard TSSOP or dice-on-foil versions, the TRACKER position sensor is offered in custom chip-on-board and miniature wafer-level chip scale packaging with footprint as small as 2.5mm x 3.9mm x 0.6mm.
The TRACKER is a high-resolution magnetic sensor with integrated, on-chip digital encoder. Significantly smaller than miniature optical encoders, it does not require a light source and is insensitive to external light. The on-chip encoder provides direct digital output using standard I2C protocol, eliminating the need for external pulse counters and enabling much smaller total system size. New Scale also offers custom position sensors with SPI or A-quad-B interface.
TRACKER Position Sensor Specifications
Resolution ........... 0.5µm
Repeatability ........ better than 2µm (bi-directional)
Supply voltage....... 3 to 3.6 VDC
Current ................ 21 mA
Output.................. serial communications using I2C protocol – no pulse counter required
Dimensions........... 2.5 x 3.9 x 0.6 mm (chip-scale packaging) 8.5 x 11.5 x 1.61 mm (TSSOP on board)
End-of-magnet zero reference built in
Evaluation Packs, Pricing and Availability For easy evaluation and system development, New Scale offers the TRK-1T02-E TRACKER evaluation pack with position sensor, magnet, interface board and software. In this kit, the TRK-1T02 TRACKER sensor is in a TSSOP package pre-mounted on a PCB, with a flex circuit connector for easy connection to the MC-31MB interface board. The interface board connects to a PC via USB, allowing users to easily read direct position information using the New Scale Pathway software. The user may also read position information directly from the TRACKER sensor via the I2C interface. The evaluation kit is available now for $350 from New Scale’s online store: http://shop.newscaletech.com/productcart/pc/viewCategories.asp?idCategory=8
For OEM pricing on TRK-1T02, TSSOP and dice-on-foil configurations, or for pricing on custom chip-on-board or wafer-level chip-scale packaging, contact New Scale at +1 585 924 4450 or email sales@newscaletech.com.