NXP Semiconductors KMA320/AZ

Overview

KMA320/A from NXP Semiconductors is a dual-channel magnetoresistive (MR) angle sensor IC integrating two independent AMR sensor bridges and mixed-signal signal conditioning in a single SIL4 package. It delivers ratiometric analog or SENT-compliant digital angular output per channel, supports programmable zero angle, angular range, and clamping voltages stored in fail-safe NVM, and operates up to 180 °C - deployed in automotive throttle and steering position sensing.

For engineers reviewing the KMA320/A datasheet, KMA320/A pinout, KMA320/A application, or KMA320/A equivalent, this page provides verified technical context on dual-channel CORDIC-based angle calculation, SENT protocol format support (A.1/H.1, A.3/H.4, H.3), ASIL-C safety architecture, PCB-less design optimization, and OEM code register configuration - all confirmed from NXP's Rev. 6 product data sheet.

Technical Context

The KMA320/A uses anisotropic MR (AMR) sensor bridges with orthogonal signal acquisition, followed by sigma-delta ADC conversion and coordinate rotation digital computer (CORDIC) algorithm-based angle computation. Each channel features independent digital filtering, shadow register management, and post-CORDIC DAC for analog output or SENT frame generation.

Its dual-channel architecture shares VDD and GND but maintains separate OUT1/DATA1 and OUT2/DATA2 interfaces. Both channels must operate in identical mode - either analog voltage (ratiometric to VDD) or SENT digital (SAE J2716 compliant), with configurable clock tick (2.7–6 µs), CRC type (legacy or JAN2010), and PAUSE pulse insertion for fixed frame length.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

Package: SIL4 (SOT1188-3), plastic single in-line package optimized for PCB-less mounting with integrated EMC filters.

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

The following parts are listed as comparable options for similar dual-channel magnetic angle sensing applications.

Compared with KMA320/A, AMS AS5055A offers lower integration and no functional safety certification, while Infineon TLE5012B provides higher resolution and broader protocol support but omits the 8×12-bit OEM identification registers critical for traceability in Tier-1 production.

Availability

KMA320/A is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for automotive throttle control, steering angle feedback, and brake pedal position sensing requiring stable component supply across extended temperature and safety-critical lifecycles.

Supply support for KMA320/A 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

NXP Semiconductors is a global semiconductor company headquartered in Eindhoven, Netherlands, specializing in secure connectivity solutions for automotive, industrial, and IoT markets.

The KMA320/A belongs to NXP's high-temperature, ASIL-capable magnetic sensor family - engineered specifically for functional safety-critical automotive position sensing where PCB-less integration, SENT compliance, and 180 °C operation are mandatory.

FAQ

What output modes does the KMA320/A support?

The KMA320/A supports two mutually exclusive output modes per channel: ratiometric analog voltage (linearly encoding 0°–180° relative to VDD) or digital SENT output compliant with SAE J2716 revisions FEB2008, JAN2010, and APR2016. Mode selection is controlled via bit 12 in the SYS_SETTING register. Both channels must operate in the same mode simultaneously - the KMA320/A does not allow mixed analog/digital operation.

How is the KMA320/A programmed for custom zero angle and angular range?

The KMA320/A is programmed via its one-wire interface (OWI) accessible through the OUT1/DATA1 and OUT2/DATA2 pins. Users configure zero angle, angular range, and clamping voltages using dedicated registers; settings are written to fail-safe non-volatile memory (NVM) and protected by a lock bit. Once locked, the NVM content cannot be altered - ensuring calibration integrity throughout the KMA320/A's operational lifetime.

Does the KMA320/A meet automotive safety standards?

Yes, the KMA320/A is certified to AEC-Q100 Grade 0 (−40 °C to +180 °C) and is ISO 26262 ASIL-C capable per channel as a safety element out of context (SEooC). It implements hardware-level ASIL checks including CORDIC range validation, data adder verification, SD-ADC range monitoring, and magnetic field conversion checks - all documented in the functional safety manual for the KMA320/A.

What SENT protocol formats does the KMA320/A support?

The KMA320/A supports three SAE J2716 SENT protocol formats: dual throttle position (A.1/H.1), single secure sensor (A.3/H.4), and high-speed 12-bit (H.3). Format selection is configured via SENT_SETTING1 register bits. H.3 achieves the fastest update rate (≤100 µs latency) using 2.7 µs clock ticks and 4-nibble framing, while A.1/H.1 and A.3/H.4 provide diagnostic-rich 6-nibble frames with CRC and STATUS nibbles.

Can the KMA320/A operate without external components?

Yes, the KMA320/A is designed as a module-ready solution with monolithically integrated MR sensor bridges, analog front-end, digital signal processing, SENT generator, and EMC filtering. It requires no external capacitors, resistors, or magnetics for basic operation - enabling true PCB-less mounting directly onto metal housings or brackets, as validated in NXP's KMA320/A reference designs and AEC-Q100 test reports.