SLYU067 December   2023 DRV5011 , DRV5012 , DRV5013 , DRV5013-Q1 , DRV5015 , DRV5015-Q1 , DRV5021 , DRV5021-Q1 , DRV5023 , DRV5023-Q1 , DRV5032 , DRV5033 , DRV5033-Q1 , DRV5053 , DRV5053-Q1 , DRV5055 , DRV5055-Q1 , DRV5056 , DRV5056-Q1 , DRV5057 , DRV5057-Q1 , TMAG3001 , TMAG5110 , TMAG5110-Q1 , TMAG5111 , TMAG5111-Q1 , TMAG5115 , TMAG5123 , TMAG5123-Q1 , TMAG5124 , TMAG5124-Q1 , TMAG5131-Q1 , TMAG5170 , TMAG5170-Q1 , TMAG5170D-Q1 , TMAG5173-Q1 , TMAG5231 , TMAG5253 , TMAG5273 , TMAG6180-Q1 , TMAG6181-Q1 , TMCS1107 , TMCS1108

 

  1.   1
  2.   Trademarks
  3.   Abstract
  4. 1Introduction and Features Overview
    1. 1.1 Simulating Magnetic Fields Tool Introduction
  5. 2Simulation Interface
    1. 2.1 Getting Started
    2. 2.2 Creating a New Design
    3. 2.3 Selecting a Sensor
    4. 2.4 Sensor Output Types
  6. 3Simulation Environment
  7. 4Simulation Inputs
    1. 4.1 Magnet Input Fields
      1. 4.1.1 Magnet Specifications
      2. 4.1.2 Magnet Geometry
      3. 4.1.3 Magnet Motion
      4. 4.1.4 Magnet Rotation
      5. 4.1.5 Hinge Magnet Motion
      6. 4.1.6 Linear Magnet Motion
      7. 4.1.7 Joystick Magnet Motion
    2. 4.2 Sensor Input Fields
      1. 4.2.1 Linear Sensor Format
      2. 4.2.2 Latch and Switch Format
      3. 4.2.3 Sensor Position
    3. 4.3 Simulation Settings
  8. 5Simulation Results
  9. 6Parametric Sweeps
  10. 7Comparing Designs
  11. 8Summary
  12. 9References
  13.   A Appendix
    1.     A.1 Sensor Placement
    2.     A.2 Magnet Materials
    3.     A.3 Rotation Tips

Abstract

Magnetic sensors use technologies, such as the Hall-effect or magneto-resistive structures, to determine the magnitude or direction of an externally supplied magnetic field. These sensors detect the motion and position of key elements within a system by measuring the behavior of the field surrounding a permanent magnet. The device can track and define operating positions that help create user-friendly features, safety functions, and improve system monitoring and reliability.

The key challenge in designing with these sensors is that magnetic fields are invisible and not innately intuitive. As a result, designing many functions without the aid of a simulation tool can be difficult. Texas Instruments' Magnetic Sense Simulator (TIMSS) is available to use for free at Webench® on TI's website. This tool is a replacement to the Magnetic Sense Enhanced Proximity Tool. Related documentation and information is accessible at TI Magnetic Sense Simulator in the tool folder.

This software was built around Python libraries that enable quick approximations using an equation-based solver. This approach is somewhat limited because the tool only supports a single magnetic body and does not include the option to simulate the interaction with nearby ferromagnetic materials. More advanced tools that use a finite element method where systems are solved using complex 3D meshes are typically capable of supporting such efforts but these are often time consuming and require significant tools training to reach proficiency.

The purpose of TIMSS is to provide a platform which can parametize common types of motion to enable fast simulations and approximate device behavior under various conditions. The tool allows for control of temperature and parametric sweeps to evaluate system response across multiple tolerances. This evaluation is particularly helpful before attempting to prototype or run advanced simulations which involves significant computing time.

To aid the user with design development, TIMSS stores saved designs. Support of this functionality requires a myTI.com account. Please refer to the following links for help with setting up a my.TI™ on-line information services account.

The purpose of this guide is to explain the features and functions of Texas Instruments' Magnetic Sense Simulator (TIMSS) and to explain methods and approaches that aid in successful simulation configurations.

For questions about using TIMSS, please reach out on E2E™ support.

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