SBAU419 November   2022 TMAG5170

 

  1.   Abstract
  2.   Trademarks
  3. 1Introduction
    1. 1.1 Simulating Magnetic Fields
  4. 2Supported Functions
    1. 2.1 Hinge
    2. 2.2 Linear Displacement
    3. 2.3 Joystick
    4. 2.4 Rotation
    5. 2.5 Static Position
  5. 3Supported Magnets
    1. 3.1 Built-In Library of Materials
    2. 3.2 Magnet Shapes
      1. 3.2.1 Bar
      2. 3.2.2 Strip
      3. 3.2.3 Diametric Cylinder
      4. 3.2.4 Axial Cylinder
      5. 3.2.5 Diametric Ring
      6. 3.2.6 Axial Ring
      7. 3.2.7 Multi-Pole Ring (Radial)
      8. 3.2.8 Multi-pole Ring (Axial)
      9. 3.2.9 Sphere
  6. 4Device Emulation
    1. 4.1 Device Types
      1. 4.1.1 Analog Linear
      2. 4.1.2 Digital Linear
      3. 4.1.3 Switch
      4. 4.1.4 Latch
  7. 5Simulation Outputs
  8. 6Additional Resources
  9. 7References

1.1 Simulating Magnetic Fields

This tool is intended for use as an electro-mechanical design aid to help understand the magnetic field produced by a single moving magnet and to predict device behavior by plotting simplified sensor outputs.

Temperature inputs for this tool only evaluate changes in the magnet strength on the assumption of a constant linear response. However, real magnets have temperature operating ranges that vary based on shape and material selection. It is the sole responsibility of the user to be aware regarding the operating range of their selected magnet and to ensure that both the magnet and sensor always remain within their specified operating range. The modeled temperature compensation for device output behavior only considers intentional compensation of the device sensitivity, but this will not impact any other device parameters.

It is always recommended to prototype and evaluate mechanical systems using real components to verify typical operating tolerances and system behaviors. For instance, ferromagnetic materials which may be present in system construction can interact with magnetic fields and will change the observable inputs to the magnetic sensor.

Functions matching several common types of motion are provided, and resulting typical device performance are modeled to demonstrate the relationship between mechanical position of the magnet and the electrical response of the sensor.

When defining magnet and sensor position and alignment, this tool allows for independent rotation of both the magnet and the sensor. Each user defined rotation is applied by rotating the object around the specified axis. This may also be understood to be rotation within the plane orthogonal to the rotation axis. For example, rotation about the Z-axis is rotation in the XY plane. #GUID-CE761BC3-061D-49E4-B074-94BB47C62E4A shows the default sensor orientation aligned to the positive X,Y, and Z axes. #GUID-3954A121-FFA5-4728-9B07-9D3EF84F8B45 through #GUID-5AF4E953-9CC7-4949-A6A7-FFF06C67517E show the result of a single +90° rotation about the X,Y,&Z axes from the default alignment. In each case the global orientation remains unchanged, but the relative sensitivity of the sensor is changed to reflect the rotation.

In each image, the red arrow represents the sensor X-axis, the green arrow represents the sensor Y-axis, and the blue arrow represents the sensor Z-axis.

Figure 1-1 Sensor With No Rotation
Figure 1-2 Sensor Rotated 90° About X-Axis
Figure 1-3 Sensor Rotated 90° About Y-Axis
Figure 1-4 Sensor Rotated 90° About Z-Axis

The default orientations for each magnet shape are shown in GUID-20221121-SR0T-R1LG-Z9QJ-FJMC8WKBF5PW.html#GUID-1D115757-CEEF-4551-A2F4-6B4274012BF5.