DRV5023: Looking for similar Bipolar Hall effect sensor. How do I choose unipolar and bipolar hall effect sensors for a DC application?

Hey Keerthana,

I think DRV5053 is our only device that we market as "bipolar".  The DRV5053 provides a linear analog output response for both south and north fields with respect to the device's Hall-effect element sensing normal to the package, which for a SOT-23 would be perpendicular to the pcb.  As for the DRV5023, it has a comparator like response with respect to South fields.  As this type of behavior is quite different, we try to minimize confusion by saying "unipolar switch".  We also have switches that detect both south and north fields, and decided to call those "omnipolar switches".   Basically if you have an application in which you simply need to determine if the field is above a threshold, then a switch is advised as it reduces the burden of adding more components or processing ADC readings in a microcontroller.  A "unipolar switch" is used when you need to distinguish between north and south fields, which seems applicable in your case, as the opposite field would indicate the supply and ground being reversed.  If you want to be able to track more than a single magnetic threshold, then a "bipolar" or "ratiometric" device might be advised.  The difference between the "bipolar" or "ratiomeric" is output behavior with respect to the device supply. "Bipolar" quiescent output and sensitivity are relatively fixed regardless of supply, whereas for "ratiometric" the quiescent output and sensitivity scale with supply.