Hall Effect Sensor: Description and Operation
OPERATIONOperation of the Crankshaft Position (CKP) sensor and the Camshaft Position (CMP) sensor is based upon the Hall Effect. The Hall Effect is a process in which current is passed in one direction through a slice of semiconductor material.
The device is installed within the field of a permanent magnet. An armature made of a low reluctance material has tabs and windows that move into and out of the magnetic field.
Hall Effect OFF:
When a tab is in the magnetic path, the field strength decreases (shunted through the tab), and there is no output from the element.
Hall Effect ON:
When a window is in the magnetic path, the magnetic field cuts through the element, and there is an output from the element. This output is applied to a signal processor.
COMPONENTS
The CKP sensor and CMP sensor are digital outputs, single Hall Effect devices. The single Hall Effect sensor includes:
- a stationary Hall Effect device with an integrated circuit (signal processor).
- a stationary permanent magnet
- a rotary vane cup (armature).
The CKP sensor and the CMP sensor are mounted within the distributor assembly. The rotary vane cup is part of the distributor shaft assembly.