A current trend in automotive control interfaces is to move away from mechanical switches and dials which are prone to wear out from over use to magnetic Hall-effect sensors which reduce mechanical contact points. While standard Hall-effect sensors offer reliable feedback and are appropriate across a wide range of functions, many automotive control modules benefit greatly when implemented using newer three-dimensional sensors. These 3D sensors offer internal diagnostics, complete visibility of the magnetic field, and power savings while simultaneously minimizing the overall solution size. In this presentation we will examine a case study for steering column controls by evaluating the design process and functional implications of a turn indicator with integrated windshield wiper controls.
