Diodes Incorporated AH8502-FDC-EVM

Overview

AH8502-FDC-EVM from Diodes Incorporated is an evaluation module for the AH8502 micropower linear Hall-effect sensor IC, designed to demonstrate 8-bit analog output, programmable sampling rate control via CNTRL pin, ±430G magnetic range, ratiometric 0–VDD output, and ultra-low 13µA micropower mode at 1.8V. It supports rapid prototyping of contactless position, proximity, and travel detection in battery-powered consumer and industrial systems.

For engineers reviewing the AH8502-FDC-EVM datasheet, AH8502-FDC-EVM pinout, AH8502-FDC-EVM application, or AH8502-FDC-EVM equivalent, this module enables immediate validation of sampling rate switching (24Hz/6.25kHz/7.14kHz), null voltage stability at VDD/2, chopper-stabilized offset performance (<1% VDD), and low-noise operation (0.24G RMS at 3V) without custom PCB design.

Technical Context

The AH8502-FDC-EVM implements a complete functional demonstration of the AH8502 IC's three operating modes-micropower (24Hz, 13µA), turbo (6.25kHz, 1.01mA), and external-drive (up to 7.14kHz)-using on-board pull-up/pull-down resistors and configurable CNTRL signal routing. Its circuit includes a 100nF CIN capacitor placed adjacent to VDD per datasheet recommendation for noise immunity.

It exposes all six U-DFN2020-6 pins-including OUTPUT, CNTRL, VDD, GND, and two NC terminals-on solderable test points and a 0.1" header for oscilloscope probing, logic analyzer triggering, and microcontroller interface. The board operates across the full 1.6–3.6V supply range and maintains output voltage during sleep states as specified in the AH8502 functional block diagram.

Key Specifications

Availability

AH8502-FDC-EVM is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for battery-powered consumer equipment, smart meter development, and industrial position-sensing applications requiring stable component supply and rapid proof-of-concept validation.

Supply support for AH8502-FDC-EVM includes scheduled delivery planning, volume procurement assistance, BOM continuity management, traceable sourcing, and lifecycle availability coordination for OEM customers, industrial embedded developers, connected-device designers, and electronics production programs.

Manufacturer

Diodes Incorporated is a global manufacturer of discrete semiconductors and integrated circuits, specializing in high-performance, energy-efficient solutions for power management, signal integrity, and sensing applications.

The AH8502 product line delivers micropower linear Hall sensors optimized for ultra-low-power, high-accuracy magnetic field measurement in space-constrained, battery-operated systems - with emphasis on stability, noise immunity, and flexible sampling control.

FAQ

What is the purpose of the CNTRL pin on the AH8502-FDC-EVM?

The CNTRL pin on the AH8502-FDC-EVM directly controls the operating mode of the onboard AH8502 IC: grounding it selects micropower mode (24Hz, 13µA), connecting it to VDD activates turbo mode (6.25kHz, 1.01mA), and applying an external PWM signal enables adjustable sampling up to 7.14kHz. Jumper options on the EVM simplify mode selection without external signal generation.

Does the AH8502-FDC-EVM include the AH8502 IC pre-mounted and tested?

Yes, the AH8502-FDC-EVM ships with a factory-mounted and functionally tested AH8502 IC in U-DFN2020-6 (Type C) package. All critical parameters-including output null voltage (VDD/2), sensitivity (2.1mV/G at 1.8V), and noise (0.36G RMS)-are verified per DS37683 Rev. 2 specifications before shipment.

Can the AH8502-FDC-EVM operate from a 3.3V supply?

Yes, the AH8502-FDC-EVM supports 3.3V input within the AH8502's specified 1.6–3.6V operating range. At 3.3V, typical sensitivity increases to ~3.45mV/G, null voltage shifts to ~1.65V, and micropower mode current rises to 17µA - all consistent with datasheet electrical characteristics and validated during board-level testing.

Is the exposed thermal pad on the AH8502-FDC-EVM connected to ground?

No - the center exposed pad of the U-DFN2020-6 package is internally unconnected (NC), as confirmed by the AH8502 datasheet Pin Descriptions. On the AH8502-FDC-EVM, this pad is left floating by default but may be soldered to a PCB ground plane for thermal enhancement without electrical impact.