Ultra low-power magnetic switches improve accuracy in battery-powered sensing

April 9, 2026

The LF21177TMR, LF21173TMR, LF21112TMR, and LF11215TMR switch ICs from Littelfuse combine tunneling magnetoresistance (TMR) sensing with CMOS signal processing to provide low-current magnetic switching with temperature-compensated thresholds.

The Littelfuse TMR magnetic switch range integrates a TMR sensing element and CMOS signal processing into a single surface-mount package, reducing standby current to 160nA, and improving switching uncertainty caused by temperature drift and external magnetic interference. The range includes omnipolar and bipolar devices, triggering on a sufficient strength northern magnetic field, or triggering on any sufficient strength field respectively.

 

Ultra-low supply current is used to support battery-powered and energy-harvesting systems. The LF21112TMR is specified at 200nA, with a 50Hz response and operate and release thresholds of 7G and 5G, respectively. The LF21173TMR and LF21177TMR switches use the same 160nA class current specification, with different magnetic thresholds to suit low-field and higher-field trigger requirements.

 

Switching stability is supported by signal conditioning intended to reduce false triggers. The LF11215TMR datasheet describes offset cancellation and a Schmitt trigger stage that introduces switching hysteresis for noise rejection, alongside a temperature-compensated internal supply for consistent switching points across temperature. This approach is used to improve tolerance to stray field interference in proximity and position sensing installations where external magnetic fields and electrical noise can be present.

 

Switching Type

Output

Supply Current

Sensitivity

Operation Frequency

Package

Operating Temperature

LF21177TMR

Omnipolar

160nA

30G operate, 21G release

50Hz

LGA4

-40°C to 85°C

LF21173TMR

Omnipolar

160nA

9G operate, 6G release

50Hz

LGA4

-40°C to 85°C

LF21112TMR

Omnipolar

200nA

7G operate, 5G release

50Hz

SOT23-3

-40°C to 125°C

LF11215TMR

Bipolar

1500nA

17G operate, -17G release

1000Hz

SOT23-3

-40°C to 125°C

Features

  • X-axis sensing direction
  • Push-pull output
  • Supply voltage range: 1.8V to 5.5V
  • Ultra-low current consumption
  • Digital switch

Applications

  • Proximity switches
  • Utility meters
  • Speed sensing
  • Rotary and linear position sensing
Littelfuse — LF21177TMR TMR Push Pull Sensors

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