American Electronic Components, Inc. has developed a "smart" or programmable, noncontacting, Hall-effect, rotary-position sensor for use in applications such as throttle position, pedal position, ride height, transmission position, and EGR valve position sensing. Deere & Co. will be one of the first companies to use the sensor in a vehicle, according to AEC.

The sensor's programmability allows an OEM to calibrate it electronically after installed in the application, thus negating mechanical stack up and process variations. Other benefits are reduced manufacturing and assembly costs and increased accuracy over a wide temperature range, which will improve the system performance and efficiency.

The sensor's Hall effect integrated circuit (IC) has EEPROM circuitry with onboard temperature compensation. The integrated and magnetic circuits are assembled within a package that isolates the electronic circuitry from all mechanical moving parts, thus allowing environmental sealing of the electronics. There is no hollow cavity that can trap moisture around the electronics and cause potential failures. Problems of mechanical sensors that can cause failures and contact noise problems, such as water intrusion, vibration, and contact wear, are eliminated, according to the company. AEC has eight U.S. and world patents, issued and pending, on the magnetic circuit and packaging of the sensor.