The Hall-effect sensor is a monolithic integrated circuit that switches in response to magnetic fields. If a magnetic field with flux lines perpendicular to the sensitive area is applied to the sensor, the biased Hall plate forces a Hall voltage proportional to this field. The Hall voltage is compared with the actual threshold level in the comparator.

The temperature-dependent bias is used to compensate the decreasing induction of magnets at higher temperatures. If the magnetic field exceeds the threshold levels, the open-drain output switches to the appropriate state. The built-in hysteresis eliminates oscillation and provides switching behavior of output without bouncing.

Magnetic offset caused by mechanical stress is compensated for by using the “switching offset compensation technique”.