AK8963

The AK8963 is a magnetoresistive sensor manufactured by AKM Semiconductor. It is a compact and integrated 3-axis electronic compass that can detect magnetic fields in three orthogonal directions. This allows it to measure the Earth's magnetic field, enabling direction sensing capabilities. The sensor is often used in mobile devices, wearables, and other portable electronics where space is a constraint.

The AK8963 operates by sensing changes in resistance when exposed to a magnetic field. It integrates Hall effect sensors and signal conditioning circuitry within a single chip. The output of the sensor is typically digital, often communicated via an I2C interface, making it easy to interface with microcontrollers. Its low power consumption is a key feature for battery-powered devices. The sensor is capable of measuring magnetic field strengths up to a certain range, and its performance can be influenced by ambient temperature. Calibration is usually required to compensate for magnetic interference from the host device and its surroundings to achieve accurate directional readings. Applications include navigation, augmented reality, and orientation tracking.