1. Overview

Magnetic sensors - linear compass ICs are semiconductor devices that detect magnetic fields and convert them into electrical signals. These integrated circuits provide precise measurement of magnetic field direction and strength in linear axes, enabling 2D/3D orientation detection. Their importance spans multiple industries due to their ability to provide contactless position sensing, navigation capabilities, and magnetic field monitoring in compact form factors.

2. Main Types & Functional Classification

3. Structure & Composition

Typical construction includes: - Sensing element (Hall plate/AMR film/TMR junction) - Signal conditioning circuitry (amplifiers, ADCs) - Temperature compensation modules - Digital interface (I2C/SPI) Packaged in LGA/QFN formats (2-8mm sizes) with magnetic shielding layers. Advanced versions integrate sensor fusion algorithms for 3-axis measurement.

4. Key Technical Specifications

5. Application Fields

Main industries include: - Consumer Electronics: Smartphone compasses, AR/VR headsets - Automotive: EPS systems, vehicle detection - Industrial: Robotics, CNC machine tool positioning - Aerospace: Drone stabilization systems - Medical: Surgical tool tracking

6. Leading Manufacturers & Products

7. Selection Guidelines

Key consideration factors: - Required measurement axis (2D vs 3D) - Environmental conditions (temperature, vibration) - Power budget constraints - Required accuracy vs cost trade-offs - Interface compatibility with host system - Calibration requirements (hard/soft iron compensation)

8. Industry Trends

Current development directions: - Integration with MEMS IMUs for sensor fusion - AI-based self-calibration algorithms - Sub-10 A ultra-low power consumption - Increased radiation hardness for space applications - Development of 4D magnetic field-time sensors