Honeywell claims the new Anisotropic Magnetoresistive (AMR) Sensor ICs, Nanopower Series allows fire and security manufacturers to design smaller, less obtrusive wireless-based products without sacrificing reliability or performance.
The new device, says the Fortune 500 Company, is more sensitive and reliable than ‘traditional’ sensors, but consumes less energy.
In door/window alarms the sensor transmits a signal to a wireless module, which transmits that signal to a central control unit for processing when a door/window is opened, removing the magnet from detection range.
On smoke detectors, the sensor serves as an alarm test switch where an external magnet is brought in the detection range to check correct operation.
The AMR Sensor ICs, Nanopower Series is aimed at battery-powered applications that until now used reed switches, which have modest power requirements and large air gap needs.
Nicholas Roche, product leader at Honeywell Sensing and Control, says: “It is highly sensitive and more reliable than ‘traditional’ switches that can break and tend to be less stable over time.”
“Most important, however, is that our new AMR Sensor ICs consume less power which means batteries need to be replaced less often – a major advantage to manufacturers and installers alike, and overcoming one of the major hurdles regarding the wider take up of wireless detectors.”
Designed for use in wide range of battery-operated applications including:
- Water and gas meters
- Electricity meters
- Exercise equipment
- Handheld computers
- Scanners
- White goods such as dishwashers, microwaves, washing machines, refrigerators and coffee machines
- Medical equipment such as hospital beds, medication dispensing cabinets, infusion pumps
- Consumer electronics like notebook computers, tablets, and cordless speakers
