Melexis MLX90217 Geartooth Hall-Effect Sensor

Overview

The Melexis MLX90217 is a digital gear-tooth Hall-effect sensor engineered for precise speed and position sensing in demanding environments. It is specifically designed for automotive camshaft sensing and other incremental position/speed applications. The sensor detects changes in a magnetic field caused by ferromagnetic gear teeth, providing a digital output that is ideal for microcontroller-based systems.

Key Features

• Digital Output: Provides a clean, digital signal that is easy to interface with microcontrollers.
• Gear-Tooth Detection: Optimized for sensing ferromagnetic gear teeth, offering reliable speed and position feedback.
• Automotive Grade: Built to withstand harsh conditions, making it suitable for automotive and industrial applications.
• Wide Operating Voltage: Supports a broad voltage range, ensuring compatibility with various power supplies.
• High Sensitivity: Detects subtle magnetic field changes, enabling precise measurement even at high speeds.

Technical Specifications

• Type: Digital gear-tooth Hall-effect sensor
• Output Type: Digital
• Operating Voltage: Typically 4.5V to 24V (refer to datasheet for exact range)
• Operating Temperature: -40°C to +150°C (automotive grade)
• Package: Through-hole or surface-mount options (check datasheet)
• Magnetic Sensitivity: High sensitivity for gear-tooth detection

Applications & Use Cases

• Automotive: Camshaft position sensing, crankshaft speed measurement, transmission speed sensing
• Industrial: Motor speed control, conveyor belt monitoring, rotary encoder alternatives
• Robotics: Wheel speed sensing, motor feedback for precise control
• Consumer Electronics: Speed detection in appliances, bicycle computers

What's Included

• 1x Melexis MLX90217 Geartooth Hall-Effect Sensor

Compatibility

• Compatible with most microcontrollers (Arduino, Raspberry Pi, STM32, ESP32) via digital GPIO pins.
• Requires a pull-up resistor on the output if not already present on the MCU board.
• Works with ferromagnetic gear teeth made of steel or iron.

MOKWN Recommendation

Ideal for hobbyists and professionals working on automotive projects, robotics, or industrial automation. Its robust design and digital output make it a reliable choice for speed and position sensing. Pair it with a magnet and gear setup for accurate RPM measurement in your next project.