How to Use AS5600: Examples, Pinouts, and Specs

The AS5600 is a contactless magnetic rotary position sensor manufactured by C. It is designed to provide high-resolution angle measurements by detecting the position of a rotating magnet. This sensor is ideal for applications requiring precise angular position detection without physical contact, ensuring durability and reliability.

• Robotics: Joint and motor position sensing
• Automotive: Steering angle and throttle position detection
• Industrial automation: Rotary encoders and motor control
• Consumer electronics: Joysticks and knobs
• Medical devices: Position tracking in diagnostic equipment

The AS5600 offers a range of features that make it versatile and easy to integrate into various systems. Below are its key technical specifications:

The AS5600 is typically available in an 8-pin SOIC package. Below is the pinout and description:

The AS5600 is straightforward to use in a circuit, whether for analog or digital applications. Below are the steps and considerations for integrating the sensor:

1. Power Supply: Connect the VDD pin to a 3.3V power source and the GND pin to ground.
2. Output Mode: Use the MODE pin to select the desired output:
   • Connect MODE to GND for analog output.
   • Connect MODE to VDD for PWM output.
3. Direction Control: Use the DIR pin to set the rotation direction:
   • Connect DIR to GND for clockwise rotation.
   • Connect DIR to VDD for counterclockwise rotation.
4. I²C Communication: If using I²C, connect the SDA and SCL pins to the corresponding lines on your microcontroller. Pull-up resistors (typically 4.7kΩ) are required on both lines.

The AS5600 can be easily interfaced with an Arduino UNO via I²C. Below is an example code snippet to read the angle:

#include <Wire.h>

// AS5600 I2C address
#define AS5600_ADDR 0x36

// Register addresses for angle data
#define AS5600_RAW_ANGLE_HIGH 0x0C
#define AS5600_RAW_ANGLE_LOW  0x0D

void setup() {
  Wire.begin(); // Initialize I2C communication
  Serial.begin(9600); // Start serial communication for debugging
}

void loop() {
  uint16_t rawAngle = readRawAngle(); // Read the raw angle value
  float angle = (rawAngle * 360.0) / 4096.0; // Convert to degrees (12-bit resolution)
  
  Serial.print("Angle: ");
  Serial.print(angle);
  Serial.println(" degrees");
  
  delay(500); // Wait for 500ms before the next reading
}

// Function to read the raw angle from AS5600
uint16_t readRawAngle() {
  Wire.beginTransmission(AS5600_ADDR); // Start communication with AS5600
  Wire.write(AS5600_RAW_ANGLE_HIGH);  // Request high byte of raw angle
  Wire.endTransmission(false);        // Send repeated start condition
  Wire.requestFrom(AS5600_ADDR, 2);   // Request 2 bytes (high and low)

  uint8_t highByte = Wire.read();     // Read high byte
  uint8_t lowByte = Wire.read();      // Read low byte

  return (highByte << 8) | lowByte;   // Combine high and low bytes
}

• Magnet Selection: Use a diametrically magnetized magnet with a field strength between 20 mT and 80 mT for optimal performance.
• Placement: Ensure the magnet is centered and positioned 0.5mm to 3mm above the sensor for accurate readings.
• Noise Filtering: Use decoupling capacitors (e.g., 100nF) near the VDD pin to reduce noise.
• I²C Pull-Up Resistors: Ensure proper pull-up resistors are used on the SDA and SCL lines for reliable communication.

1. No Output Signal

   • Cause: Incorrect power supply or loose connections.
   • Solution: Verify that VDD is connected to a 3.3V source and all connections are secure.

2. Inaccurate Angle Measurements

   • Cause: Magnet misalignment or incorrect placement.
   • Solution: Ensure the magnet is centered and within the recommended distance from the sensor.

3. I²C Communication Failure

   • Cause: Missing pull-up resistors or incorrect I²C address.
   • Solution: Add 4.7kΩ pull-up resistors to SDA and SCL lines and confirm the AS5600 address (default: 0x36).

4. Output Signal is Noisy

   • Cause: Power supply noise or insufficient decoupling.
   • Solution: Add a 100nF capacitor near the VDD pin to filter noise.

Q: Can the AS5600 measure angles beyond 360°?
A: No, the AS5600 measures angles within a single 360° rotation. For multiple rotations, additional logic is required to track revolutions.

Q: What happens if the magnetic field strength is too low or too high?
A: The AS5600 may produce inaccurate readings or fail to detect the magnet. Ensure the field strength is within the 20 mT to 80 mT range.

Q: Can I use the AS5600 with a 5V microcontroller?
A: Yes, but you must use a level shifter for the I²C lines or ensure the microcontroller's I²C pins are 3.3V tolerant.

Q: Is the AS5600 suitable for high-speed applications?
A: Yes, the AS5600 supports rotational speeds up to 30,000 RPM, making it suitable for high-speed applications.