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[FAQ] Sensors In Refrigerators

Other Parts Discussed in Thread: DRV5032

Do home appliances – specifically refrigerators – use position sensors such as Hall-effect or Inductive sensors to detect movement or exact position of moving parts?

  • This is a very good question and something most people don’t really think about. Essentially any piece of electronic equipment that has moving parts has the potential to use a position sensor and home appliances are a perfect example of this. In short, the answer is “yes”. Let me provide you a couple of use cases where position sensors are used in refrigerators.

    Use case #1: Open/close door or compartment detection

     

    In the graphic shown below, the position sensor is situated in a couple of locations. The first placement is on the door frame to detect if the refrigerator door has been opened/closed. The second position sensor can be found in a compartment within the refrigerator itself. In both cases, if a Hall-effect sensor is used then an accompanying magnet (as shown in blue) must be placed beside it when the door or compartment is closed.

                                                                                           

    Recommended Products:

    Device

    Data Sheet

    Description

    System-Level Benefits

    DRV5032

    Low-power (<1µA), low-voltage Hall-effect switch

    The sensitivity levels provide tight BOP, BRP response for consistent open/close results.

     

    TMAG5124

    Two-wire, high-precision, Hall-effect switch with current output

    Two-wire current output allows for longer cabling for off-board sensing due to the device’s inherent noise tolerance. Additionally, only 2 wires are needed from the MCU to the sensor reducing cost.

     

    Use case #2: Ice dispenser

     

    Ice dispensers are great places to use position sensors as they can detect when the cup lever has been pushed to dispense ice or water.

                                                                                                                   

    Device

    Data Sheet

    Description

    System-Level Benefits

    DRV5032

    Low-power (<1µA), low-voltage Hall-effect switch

    The various sensitivity levels allow for many magnet sizes and placement combinations.

     

    TMAG5123

    In-plane, high-precision, Hall-effect switch

    The device’s capability to detect in-plane magnetic fields (or horizontal to the SOT-23 package) allows for flexible placement options and reduction in total space usage.

     

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