AMR Sensors (Magnetic Sensors) AMR Simulation Tool

A simulation tool that can be applied for AMR sensor introduction consideration and initial evaluation

Murata offers a free Excel format simulation tool that displays AMR sensor locations and the ON/OFF Map of their surroundings, simply by entering or selecting magnet and sensor information.
Feel free to use the tool since it can be referred to when introducing AMR sensors.

Updated 3/30/2022

Simulation tool features

Entering magnet materials and sizes as well as distance information to sensors displays the AMR sensor locations and the ON/OFF states of their surroundings.
Please refer to the video posted on this page for use methods.

  1. Enter values for each item 1.Magnet size, 2.Magnet material / Magnetic charecteristics, 3.AMR sensor selection, 4.Distance from magnet center to center of AMR sensor base, 5.Display scale factor
  2. The ON/OFF Map is displayed Image of simulation tool

Free download

The simulation tool Excel file and manual in PDF format are provided as a compressed file that you can download and use. This allows you to use the simulation tool off-line.

Manual provided

In addition to instructions on using the tool, such as how to read the map and adjust what is displayed, a large number of example applications are provided.

Wide range of settings are available.

You can enter settings such as the size, direction, magnetic characteristics of the magnet, and the PCB orientation for a variety of applications.

Plane settings

You can turn on or off the display of specific planes: XY-plane (top), YZ-plane (side), and XZ-plane (front).

Introduction video of simulation tool features

The features of the simulation tool are introduced in this video.
The video enables customers to compare the sensor ON/OFF conditions for actions including open/close, slide, and rotation actions when magnets actually approach the components with the conditions when the magnets enter the detection area on the simulation tool.

As an example, the simulation shows which locations will be in the off state when the AMR sensor is moved in the X and Y directions, respectively, from a samarium-cobalt magnet measuring 3 × 1 × 5 mm, with initial position Pa (Xn = 0, Yn = 0, Zn = 3 mm).

Simulation example 1: Movement of the AMR sensor in the X direction

When the AMR sensor is moved from initial position Pa to Pb, the change is shown below, and a map, such as that shown in the figure is generated.

  • Pa(0,0,3)⇒Pb(11,0,3)

The off state is predicted when the AMR sensor’s Xn is approximately 7 to 11 mm.

Distance from magnet center P0 [mm]
Xn Yn Zn
0 0 3
Distance from magnet center P0 [mm]
Xn Yn Zn
11 0 3

Simulation example 2: Movement of the AMR sensor in the Y direction

When the AMR sensor is moved from initial position Pa to Pc, the change is shown below, and a map, such as that shown in the figure is generated.

  • Pa(0,0,3)⇒Pc(0,11,3)

The off state is predicted when the AMR sensor distance is approximately 9 to 14 mm, but the cell color is different near Yn = 4 mm.

Distance from magnet center P0 [mm]
Xn Yn Zn
0 0 3
Distance from magnet center P0 [mm]
Xn Yn Zn
0 11 3

Simulation example 3: Expansion of the AMR sensor trajectory

When the AMR sensor is moved to Pc, as in example 2, and the area near Yn = 4 mm is expanded, the change is shown below, and a map, such as that shown in the figure is generated.

  • Pa(0,0,3)⇒Pc(0,4,3)
  • Y and Z direction display scale factors each set to ×5.0

It is predicted that there will be temporary off states in the area near Yn = approx. 3 to 4 mm.

Distance from magnet center P0 [mm] Display scale factor
Xn Yn Zn X Y Z
0 4 3 ×1.0 ×1.0 ×1.0
Distance from magnet center P0 [mm] Display scale factor
Xn Yn Zn X Y Z
0 4 3 ×1.0 ×5.0 ×5.0

Updated 3/30/2022

Frequently asked questions

AYes, there are. The provided manual includes the following application examples. (The cases shown are examples. They can be applied to other products so long as the magnet and AMR positional relationships are the same.)
  • Open/Close detection (door, lid, etc.)
    Open/Close detection for white goods such as refrigerators, door detection in security applications, notebook PC covers, etc.
    Introduction of open/close detection
  • Slide movement detection 1 (windows and drawers)
    Detection in cases where magnets move in parallel, such as anti-theft applications for windows or sliding doors; position detection of water level in freezer and vegetable compartments of refrigerators, humidifiers, tanks of various types; and so on.
    Introduction of position detection for lateral movement
  • Slide movement detection 2 (compact switches and microswitches)
    Detection in cases where on/off operation with a motion length of a few millimeters is desired, such as compact switches on notebook PCs or digital cameras, power switches (which are easily waterproofed) on wearable devices, and compact devices.
  • Position detection for rotating objects
    Auto-lock open-close position sensing, float switch (lever-type) liquid surface detection, detection for cases where on/off should occur at a selected angular width within a particular angle range of a rotating object.
    In addition to various detection examples, pointers on how to make adjustments to achieve a desired on/off angle are provided.
AAn evaluation board is available that lets you confirm operation by means of LEDs that turn on and off. First, check the LED on/off status on the evaluation board alone.
Next, use double-sided tape to secure the magnet and evaluation board in place on the equipment on which installation is planned and check the LED on/off status during operation.
This provides a way to study and verify operation before deployment.

Notes (Make sure to read these carefully.)

  • *The tool uses a mathematical formula to calculate the magnetic force emanating from the magnet and generates a simplified display of the area in the on state. The calculation is based on a formula derived from the magnet information and user-defined position information (the position of the AMR sensor).
  • The tool cannot calculate the effects of other nearby magnets or parts such as screws or metal plates that affect the magnet.
  • It is important to make sure there are no other magnets or parts that could have an effect nearby. There are no guidelines specifying the minimum necessary, so make sure to confirm operation on the actual device.
  • *Since there will be some difference between the calculated and actual values, make sure to perform verification on prototypes and the actual product before beginning mass production of the product.
  • *The manual is subject to changes at irregular intervals due to alterations in the lineup of AMR sensors, addition of application examples, etc. Check regularly to make sure you have the latest version.
  • *Murata’s AMR sensors are for general commercial applications only. They should not be used for applications such as automotive products where high reliability is essential due to a danger of harm to human life or property should the product fail or malfunction.
  • *Adequate evaluation should be performed, and multiple failsafe measures implemented, in accordance with the degree of importance or necessity of the function.

Please Read LICENSE AGREEMENT before using.
CAREFULLY READ THE FOLLOWING TERMS AND CONDITIONS BEFORE USING THIS SIMULATION TOOL. IF YOU DO NOT AGREE TO THE FOLLOWING TERMS AND CONDITIONS, DO NOT USE THE SIMULATION TOOL. USING ANY PART OF THE SIMULATION TOOL INDICATES THAT YOU ACCEPT THESE TERMS AND CONDITIONS. IN THE EVENT THAT YOU BEGIN TO USE THE SIMULATION TOOL, YOU ARE DEEMED TO HAVE AGREED TO BE BOUND BY THE TERMS AND CONDITIONS OF THIS LICENSE AGREEMENT.

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<LICENSE AGREEMENT>

1. LICENSE
Murata Manufacturing Company, Ltd. ("Murata") grants you a limited, nonexclusive license to use the downloaded excel sheet, documents and materials (collectively the "Tool") for the purpose of exploring the possibility of using Murata’s AMR sensors subject to the terms and conditions set forth in this License Agreement. Use of the Tool is subject to certain system requirements.
2. INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY RIGHTS
You acknowledge and agree that the ownership and all intellectual property rights (including but not limited to copyright, patent, trade name, know-how and trade secret) of the Tool are held by Murata or Murata’s licensor.
3. CONFIDENTIALITY
You shall not disclose the Tool and its content to any third party without the prior written consent of Murata.
4. PROHIBITED MATTERS
  • A) You are not permitted to use the Tool in any manner not expressly authorized by this License Agreement.
  • B) You, without a prior written consent of Murata, shall not:
    1. copy, reproduce, modify or improve any part of the Tool;
    2. reverse engineer, decompile or disassemble any part of the Tool;
    3. distribute, publish, assign, transfer or lend any part of the Tool to any third party;
    4. collateralize any part of the Tool to any third party; and
    5. sublicense the rights granted under this License Agreement to any third party or otherwise provide third parties access to any portion of the Tool.
  • C) Notwithstanding the foregoing, you may disclose or make available the Tool and its content to officers and employees belonging to the same company, organization, or other institution, on condition that such officers and employees comply with obligations set forth herein.
5. LIMITED WARRANTY
THE TOOL IS PROVIDED "AS IS" WITHOUT WARRANTY OF ANY KIND, EITHER EXPRESS OR IMPLIED, INCLUDING, BUT NOT LIMITED TO THE IMPLIED WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTABILITY AND FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE.
6. LIMITATIONS OF LIABILITY
IN NO EVENT SHALL MURATA BE LIABLE TO YOU FOR ANY DAMAGES, INCLUDING ANY LOST PROFITS OR LOST SAVINGS OR OTHER INCIDENTAL OR CONSEQUENTIAL DAMAGES ARISING OUT OF THE USE OR INABILITY TO USE THE TOOL EVEN IF MURATA HAS BEEN ADVISED OF THE POSSIBILITY OF SUCH DAMAGES, OR FOR ANY CLAIM BY ANY OTHER PARTY.
7. INDEMNIFICATION
In the event that you breach any term or condition of this License Agreement, You shall indemnify Murata from any and all losses, damages, costs and expenses incurred by Murata arising out of the use of the Tool the such breach.
8. SUPPORT
Murata and Murata’s licensor shall not be obligated to provide support, response to inquiries, installation, training or other services for the Tool, or to provide upgrades, updates, error fixes, improvements, or extensions to the Tool.
9. UPDATE
The Tool is subject to change from time to time or it may be discontinued without notice. Please check the latest version.
10. EXPORT RESTRICTIONS
You agree that you will not export or re-export the Tool in violation of any applicable laws or regulations of the United States or the country in which you obtained them.
11. TERM AND TERMINATION
This License Agreement is effective until terminated. It shall terminate immediately without any notice if you fail to comply with any term or condition of this License Agreement. Upon such termination you agree to destroy the Tool and provide the certificate of such destruction to Murata.
12. SURVIVAL
Article 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 13 and this Article shall survive termination of this License Agreement.
13. GOVERNING LAW
This License Agreement shall be governed by the laws of Japan.
14. SEVERABILITY
In the event any provision of this License Agreement is found to be invalid, illegal or unenforceable, the validity, legality and enforceability of any of the remaining provisions shall not in any way be affected or impaired.

Updated 3/30/2022