For reliable and accurate angle measurements in various microcontroller-based applications, Austriamicrosystems (www.austriamicrosystems.com) has unveiled the AS5048 14-bit magnetic rotary encoder chip, which is designed with a PWM output and an I2C or SPI interface.

The AS5048 enables for a one time programming of the zero position, using a simple I2C or SPI command only. The mechanical design of the application does not require for precise initial alignment of the two-pole magnet and the sensor IC since the AS5048 is tolerant of misalignment. It is can also withstand variations in the air gap, including variations in temperature that range between -40°C to +150°C.

With its 14-bit measurement engine, the magnetic rotary encoder chip provides for resolution down to 0.0219°. It implements averaging and linearization in the host microcontroller to deliver angle measurements that are accurate to 0.05°.

The high sensitivity of the IC allows it to reliably operate in magnetic fields as weak as 30mT and to be paired with low-cost magnetic types like ferrites.

The integrated hall sensors as well as signal processing circuitry of the AS5048 makes the device reject interference from stray magnetic fields, making them suitable for use in electrically and magnetically noisy medical and industrial environments.

Designed with an internal voltage regulator, the AS5048 can operate from either a 3.3V or 5V power supply and is offered in a 14-pin TSSOP package.