Murata today announced the development of the world’s first AMR sensor with 3D sensing capabilities supporting 360-degree magnetic field detection with uniform sensitivity in all directions. Magnetic field detection in three-dimensional space previously required the use of multiple magnetic sensors in combination, but the new sensor makes 3D magnetic field detection possible using a single device. In response to feedback from customers indicating a need for AMR sensors with 3D sensing capabilities, Murata embarked in 2013 on the development of such devices, utilizing magnetic sensing technology and expertise acquired from NEC.
Previous magnetic sensors had directional sensitivity characteristics that made them unsuitable for omnidirectional magnetic field detection, requiring three to six sensors for 3D sensing applications. The new sensor makes it possible to accomplish detection with a single device, thereby enabling customers to design products that are more compact and lower in cost. Anisotropic magneto-resistance (AMR) sensors are mainly used in applications such as mobile phones and notebook PCs, open/close detection in refrigerators and doors, and rotation detection in smart meters.

