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Introduction

Do you have a project that could use an inconspicuous HID (human interface device)? Ever wanted to tamper-proof your window alarm (i.e. contact sensors) from teenagers sneaking out or home intruders? Do you have a mechanical switch that keeps failing?

If you answered yes to any of those questions, the TMAG5273 from Texas Instruments could be the solution to your problems. The TMAG5273 is low-power 3D hall-effect sensor that is perfect for detecting and measuring changes in a nearby magnetic field. With a linear, magnetic range configurable to either ±40 mT or ±80 mT and TI's integrated angle calculation engine (CORDIC), the TMAG5273 can be used in various applications:

  • Detecting motor movement
  • Creating a HID (human interface device) (i.e. joysticks, knobs, scroll wheels, etc.)
  • Replacing various mechanical switches (i.e. rotary encoders, contact switches, reed switches, etc.)*

In addition, the included magnetic tamper detection and wake-up/threshold settings can be configured to trigger interrupts through the I2C interface or only with the dedicated interrupt pin.

 Required Materials

To get started, users will need a few items. Now some users may already have a few of these items, feel free to modify your cart accordingly.

  1. If your computer doesn't have a USB-A slot, then choose an appropriate cable or adapter.
  2. Check out our other Qwiic cable options.
  3. The mini version of this product is panel-mount compatible.
  4. Check out the other magnets in our catalog.
Headers and Wiring

To add headers or hookup wires, users will need soldering equipment and headers/wire.

New to soldering?

Check out our How to Solder: Through-Hole Soldering tutorial for a quick introduction!

Jumper Modification

To modify the jumpers, users will need soldering equipment and/or a hobby knife.

New to jumper pads?

Check out our Jumper Pads and PCB Traces Tutorial for a quick introduction!

 Suggested Reading

As a more sophisticated product, we will skip over the more fundamental tutorials (i.e. Ohm's Law and What is Electricity?). However, below are a few tutorials that may help users familiarize themselves with various aspects of the board.