Murata has reduced the size of its AMR magnetic switches. AMR (Anisotropic Magneto Resistance) magnetic switches are primarily used for open/close detection in home appliances such as white goods and security equipment as well as other consumer electronics devices like mobile phones, laptop PCs, digital cameras etc. Murata's range of AMR switches is now available in a package measuring 1.0x0.9x0.5mm, in addition to industrial standard package sizes such as SOT23 and SON4.

Until recently, mechanical switches were used for open/close detection in mobile phones and laptop PCs; however magnetic switches and magnetic field sensors are now gaining popularity. Unlike their mechanical counterparts, magnetic switches eliminate wear caused by contact between the sensor and the magnet, increasing reliability. Additionally, magnetic switches make it possible to design water-tight products with the switches being protected from the outside elements.

Demand for magnetic switches is expected to accelerate as equipment manufacturers adopt magnetic switches in place of mechanical switches in certain applications. Murata's lineup of AMR switches has high (1.5mT) and low (3.0mT) sensitivity models, and is therefore suitable for a wide variety of applications. The switches also feature low power consumption as they require 1.6µA/1.8V or 4.7uA/5V.