Supplier Spotlight - Micronas | Symmetry Blog

Symmetry Electronics Team in Blogs on May 24, 2018

About Symmetry Electronics Team

Established in 1998, Symmetry Electronics is a focused global distributor of wireless connectivity solutions, sensors, and audio-video technologies. Offering comprehensive design support and available-to-ship inventory, Symmetry is committed to helping engineers accelerate time to market, reduce costs, and offer modern solutions for their IoT designs. Acquired by Berkshire Hathaway company, TTI, Inc. in 2017, Symmetry Electronics is part of the Exponential Technology Group (XTG) – a supergroup of electronic component distributors and engineering services firms working together to advance the electronics industry. For more information, visit www.symmetryelectronics.com.

Each week, we’ll be showcasing one of our suppliers from our line card and what distinguishes them from the competition. This week’s supplier is Micronas, a developer and manufacturer of semiconductor-based sensor and IC system solutions for automotive and industrial electronics.

Who is Micronas?

TDK-Micronas, a TDK group company, is the preferred partner for sensing and control. They offer a variety of Hall sensors and embedded controllers for smart actuators for applications such as building and process automation, robotics, home appliances, agricultural, and automotive.

TDK-Micronas serves all major automotive electronics customers worldwide, many of them in long-term partnerships for lasting success. Operational headquarters are based in Freiburg im Breisgau. Currently, TDK-Micronas employs around 900 persons.

How are they different?

Micronas offers the world’s broadest range of Hall-effect sensors. Their expertise in Hall sensors combines perfectly with their CMOS and mixed-signal design resources to create accurate, intelligent sensors for a broad range of Industrial applications. Hall sensors are also increasingly establishing themselves in automated manufacturing processes and household equipment.

TDK-Micronas' sensor solutions are in demand for industrial applications such as robotics controllers and systems to automate manufacturing equipment. Hall sensors can also be used in many household items, including washing machines, tumble driers, cooker hobs, and heating and cooling systems.

Superior design, extensive experience in Hall technology and fast tracking allow Micronas to offer product quality at the highest demands.

What are their most popular products?

Micronas Hall Sensors

TDK-Micronas supplies a wide range of Hall-effect sensors for many different kinds of applications, for different parameters like position, pressure, speed, level and current.

Different sensor families have been developed in the past. The switch family includes simple switches (HAL 5xy / HAL 2xy), double-plate switches (HAL 7xy) as well as complex programmable switches (HAL 10xy). Another major family is comprised of linear sensors including non-programmable sensors (HAL 4xy) and programmable sensors (HAL 8xy), as well as sensors with direct network interfacing like LIN (HAL 28xy).

Micronas embedded Microcontrollers for Smart Actuators

In developing its products, TDK-Micronas draws on more than 30 years of automotive experience, going right back to the first electronic circuitry employed in the car interior - the car clock IC. Increasing functionality over the past years has led to three major product families within the product line of embedded microcontrollers. Their main differentiation is the overall performance derived by the CPU core ranging from 8 to 32bit systems.

TDK-Micronas' expertise helps customers reduce system costs by integrating functionality like advanced power saving modes, EMI reduction, etc. All the integration has culminated into one of today's most advanced system solutions for infotainment, entertainment and body control - TDK-Micronas' LEAP family concept (Low Emission Automotive Processors), based on an ARM7TDMI® CPU core.