Implementing Hall Effect Sensor

[sbagliato]

Hi, I am working with a solenoid and I am trying to measure the magnetic field that it can produce using a Hall Effect Sensor but I cannot seem to get any results from the sensor. Does anyone know how this is suppose to be done? Thanks.

 

[berkeman]

Hi, I am working with a solenoid and I am trying to measure the magnetic field that it can produce using a Hall Effect Sensor but I cannot seem to get any results from the sensor. Does anyone know how this is suppose to be done? Thanks.

Welcome to the PF. What sensor are you using? Can you post a schematic of how you are hooking it up?

 

[sbagliato]

it is a linear hall effect sensor but I was not able to find out the specific model (the sensor was given to me). I have attached a PDF with the basics of my set up. Is it conceptually correct?

 

[berkeman]

it is a linear hall effect sensor but I was not able to find out the specific model (the sensor was given to me). I have attached a PDF with the basics of my set up. Is it conceptually correct?

I would look for similar devices on the Internet, and download a datasheet for a similar device. That should give you an idea of what kinds of output voltages to expect for different fields. And also let you know what direction to turn the sensor to have the B-field have the maximum effect on the output voltage.

 

[Bob S]

Look at Allegromicro for Hall Effect sensors. Digikey has a few models. See
www.digikey.com
http://search.digikey.com/scripts/DkSearch/dksus.dll
http://www.allegromicro.com/en/Products/Categories/Sensors/index.asp
These will not work easily unless your solenoid is DC.
[Edit] This is one Allegro unit available at Digikey:
http://search.digikey.com/scripts/DkSearch/dksus.dll?Detail&name=620-1024-ND
The magnetic field is perpendicular to flat face. They have 16,545 in stock; $1.74 each. Linear field sensor, 5.25 Gauss per millivolt.
You want the 3-SIP or SIP-3 case. What is the maxumum thickness you can use?

 

[vk6kro]

Hall effect sensors have very low output voltages and even the ones that have internal amplifiers are not very sensitive.

Try holding it near a strong permanent magnet at one of the poles and verify that the voltage output changes when you rotate the sensor.

You would need a large DC current in a big flat solenoid to get a good deflection without further amplification.

Typically, they need a 5 volt power supply and the output is 2.5 volts when they are not in a magnetic field.