An Introduction to the Hall Effect

The Theory of the Hall Effect

The action of the Hall effect in a semiconducting medium is adequately explained by quantum physics. However, in spite of its shortcomings, the classical approach is chosen here for its brevity. A particle with charge Q, velocity, and moving within a V magnetic field, B, will experience the Lorentz force, F=Q( x The V B). force direction is mutually perpendicular to the directions of the particle velocity and the magnetic field. If a long, flat current-carrying conductor is placed in a magnetic field, the moving charges will experience a net force mutually perpendicular to the direction of the current flow (longitudinal conductor axis) and the magnetic field. Under the influence of this force, the electrons will pile up on one edge of the conductor, and positive charges will gather on the other edge. An un-even lateral charge distribution results and gives rise to an electric field, E, which exerts a force, = Q , F E opposite in direction to the Lorentz force. At equilibrium, the resultant forces balance (Fig. 2). This field, superimposed on the E in the direction of the current flow, yields the skewed equipotential lines first noted by Hall (Fig. 1). The relation between the voltage, current, and magnetic field can be generalized as follows: VH VH
= = y = I = B =
Equipotential Lines Hall Plate

Figure 1 Explanation of the Hall effect This equation ignores many low level effects but will suffice for the depth of this discussion.

Equipotential Lines With No Magnetic Field

Equipotential Lines In A Magnetic Field

Note: All B fields in the article refer to the component of the external B field that is normal to the surface of the Hall plate. A more general equation for Hall voltage is VH = yIB sin), where is the angle is between B and the normal to the Hall plate surface.

(electrons)

What Is A Hall Sensor?

A Hall sensor is a four-terminal, solid-state device capable of producing an output voltage VH, proportional to the product of the input current, lc,the magnetic flux density, B, and the sine of the angle betweeen B and the plane of the Hall sensor. A reversal in the direction of either the magnetic field or the control current will result in a polarity change of VH. A reversal in the direction of both will keep the polarity the same. By holding the control current constant, the Hall voltage may be used to measure magnetic flux density. Multiplication may be accomplish by varying both the control current and the magnetic field..

Figure 2

Hall Sensor

y IB Hall voltage a constant product sensitivity Hall current magnetic field perpindicular to Hall Plate surface

VH = KHOC IC B sin - or if sin - = (i.e., - = 90) VH = KHOC IC B or VH = B B

where: VH = Hall ouput voltage, mV KHOC = IB (open circuit product sensitivity constant), mV/mA kG B =magnetic sensitivity (loaded or unloaded) at a specified control Current, mV/kG Ic = control current, mA (ac or dc) B = magnetic flux density, kG (ac or dc)

Bell Technologies Inc., a SYPRIS company 6120 Hanging Moss Road, Orlando, Florida 32807 www.fwbell.com

The Hall Sensor

Discovery of Hall Effect
Edwin Herbert Hall discovered the Hall effect in 1879 while working on his doctoral thesis in Physics under the supervision of Professor Henry A. Rollin.1 Dr. Hall was pursuing the question as to whether the resistance of a coil excited by a current was affected by the presence of a magnet. Through a myriad of experiments and failures, Hall discovered that a magnetic field would skew equipotential lines in a current-carrying conductor. This effect is observed as a voltage (Hall voltage, VH) perpendicular to the direction of current in the conductor. Hall conducted an experiment by putting a thin gold leaf on a glass plate and then tapping off the gold leaf at points down its length. He then conducted other experiments using various materials in place of the gold leaf, and various experimental placements of tapping points. In 1880, full details of Halls experimentation with this phenomenon formed his doctoral thesis and was published in the American Journal of Science and in the Philosophical Magazine.2 Kelvin, himself a most distinguished scientist, called Halls discovery comparable to the greatest ever made by Michael Faraday. The magnitude of this discovery is even more impressive considering how little was known about electricity in Halls time. The electron, for instance, was not identified until more than 10 years later.3 The Hall effect remained a laboratory curiosity until the latter half of this century because materials available prior to recent years only produced low levels of Hall voltage. With the advent of semiconductor technology and the development of various III-V compounds, it became possible to produce Hall voltages many orders of magnitude greater than with earlier materials. Thus, semiconductor technology launched the practical design and production of the Hall sensor.

Typical Applications
The following are just some of the many applications where Hall Sensors are used:
Magnetic Card Readers Proximity Sensors Rotary Speed Sensors Watt Measurement Multipliers Magnet Field Measurements Electrical Power Measurements Current Sensors Brushless dc Motors Compasses Gaussmeters Watt-hour Meters Permanent Magnet Measurements Air Gap Measurements

Typical Shapes and Sizes

Hall sensors are available in a wide variety of shapes and sizes for adaptability of shapes and sizes for adaptability to many different applications. The two basic types are transverse and axial, as illustrated in Figure 4. The transverse type is useful where the field must be measured in thin gaps and for multiplier applications. The axial type must be used where the field is parallel to the axis of a hole, such as in traveling wave tubes or solenoids. Standard transverse probes as thin as .006" and axial probes as small as .063" in diameter are available. Bulk-material Hall plates may be sandwiched between ferrite pieces to obtain effective air gaps less than .003". This may be useful in applications requiring maximum magnetic efficiency, such as electronic compasses and proximity sensors. For a Hall sensor to accurately measure flux density, the Hall plate area should be smaller than the cross section of the field to be measured. The output voltage is proportional to flux density, but a Hall plate is not equally sensitive over its entire area. If a high resolution is important, the Hall plate area should be small. Active areas as small 0.010 are available, while even smaller ones have been made.

Magnetic Circuit design Flux Leakage Measurements Nondestructive Memory Readouts Linear/Angular Transducers Magnetic Tape Heads Guidance Systems Ignition Systems

Figure 4

Transverse

Axial

5
Materials
The Hall effect is basically a majority carrier mechanism depending on the bulk-material properties of the semiconductor material. Unlike transistors and diodes, it is completely independent of surface effects, juncton leakage currents a n d j u n c t i o n threshold voltages. These factors account for its high stability, reproductivity and reliability when compared to other semi-conductor devices. To obtain a high output voltage the active element must have a high Hall coefficient, RH. Also, since the output is proportional to the current density through the element, its resistance should be as low as practical to prevent excessive heating. Since the noise output is essentially thermal,4 5 low resistance is also an important requirement for devices to be used at very low signal levels. Some of the semiconductor materials used for Hall sensors are indium antimonide (InSb), indium arsenide (InAs) and gallium arsenide (GaAs). GaAs generators have high output and very high resistance making them relatively noisy and the temperature coefficient of the output voltage is less than - 0.1%/C. InSb has high output and low resistance, but the temperature coefficient of the output voltage is about -1%/C. InAs has less output than InSb, but its temperature coefficient is less than -0.1%C and its resistance is also low. These considerations make InAs the most suitable materials for many Hall effect applications. Indium Arsenide Hall sensors may also be made of deposited thin films. These units do not exhibit the same low resistance and high mobilities as their bulk-material counterparts, but they do offer advantages which may be realized in many applications. These advantages include lower current requirements for comparable output voltages, and significantly low cost. For those applications where excellent linearity and stability are required, bulkmaterial Hall sensors are recommended.

This schematic representation illustrates both the measuring and multiplying capabilities of a Hall sensor. By holding l c constant, VH becomes a direct function of B, the magnetic flux density. If both lc and B are variable, VH is proportional to the product of the two functions. Holding B and lc constant, VH becomes a function of the angle between B and the plane of the Hall-sensor active area. The devices listed on the following pages are standard and available from stock. Special units are available to fit your application.
1. C.L.Chin and C.R.Westgate (Editors), The Hall Effect and Its Applications, Plenum Press, New York, 1979, p.535. 2. Ibid., p. 523. 3. Charles Couleston Gillespie (Editor)), Dictionary of Scientific Bibliography, Charles Scribners Sons, New York, 1970, p. 51. 4. Epstein. M., et al, Principals and Applications of Hall-Effect Devices, Proceedings of the National Electronics Conference, 1959, Vol.15, p.241. 5. Final Engineering Report on Hall Effect Device Investigation, Device Development Corporation, Weston 93, Massachusetts, Contract No. NOBsr-72823, July 1, 1958 toFebruary 28, 1959, pp.12-17 See MIL-STD -793 -1 (WP) for definition

Bell Technologies Inc., a SYPRIS company 6120 Hanging Moss Road, Orlando, Florida 32807 www.fwbell.com

Bulk Indium Arsenide BH-200 Series

Instrumentation Quality Description
The BH-200 series of Hall effect magnetic field sensors consists of ten models designed to meet the requirements of most magnetic field measurement applications. Models in the BH-200 Series are built in various configurations to measure axial, transverse, and tangential magnetic field components. Sensitivities range from 6 to 75 mV/kG with input and output resistance of several ohms.

Mechanical Specifications
a. Polarity: With the magnetic field vector (+B) entering the top of the Hall plate and lc entering the red lead, the positive Hall voltage will appear at the blue lead. b. Material: AWG 34 or AWG 36 copper with heavy polyurethane insulation. c. Color Code: Control Current (lc): AWG 34-red (+lc), black (- Ic), AWG 36-neutral (+lc), green (- lc) d. Hall Voltage: (VH): AWG 34-blue (+VH), yellow (- VH), AWG 36-red (+VH), neutral (- VH)

Models
1. BH-200 2. BH-201 3. BH-202 4. BH-203 5. BH-204 6. BH-205 7. BH-206 8. BH-207 9. BH-208 10. BH-209 General Purpose Transverse Ultra-thin, Transverse Small Axial General Purpose, Axial Mini Axial Mini Transverse High Sensitivity, Low-cost Transverse High Resolution, Tangential Ultra-mini, Axial Ultra-mini, Transverse 1.
SPECIFICATIONS Input resistance, R in Output resistance, R out Open circuit magnetic sensitivity, VHOC (1) Inductive null constant, A Max. resistive residual voltage, VM @ B=0 (2) Max. control current @ 25C, static air Nominal control current, I cn Max. linearity error, (0 to 10 kG) with R lin Reversibility error of VH (0 to 10 kG) Mean temperature coefficient of VH (-20C to +80C) (2)* Mean temperature coefficient of resistance (-20C to +80C) (2)* Temperature dependence of resistive residual voltage (-20C to +80C) (2)* Operating temperature range Storage temperature range UNITS ohms ohms mV/kG cm 2 V/C mA mA % of RDG % of RDG %/C %/C V/C C C BH-200 2.5 max. 2 max. 1525% .003

Electrical Specifications
*Approximate NOTE: In a time varying field the voltage induced into the Hall output leads, Vind, is proportional to the effective area, A, of the Hall output loop and the amplitude and the rate of change of the field, Vind (measured with Ic =0)=A dB x10 - 8 dt Vind =volts, A=cm 2, B=gauss, t=sec.

2.
BH-201 3 max. 3 max. 1225% .01

3.
BH-202 3 max. 3 max. 1025% .002 100 max. 150 100 1 1 - 0.08 .15 1 - 40C to +100C - 40C to +105C

4.
BH-203 3 max. 3 max. 1025% .003 100 max. 250 100 1 1 - 0.08 .15 1 - 40C to +100C - 40C to +105C

5.
BH-204 3 max. 3 max. 1125% .002 200 max. 150 100 1.5 1 - 0.08 .15 1 - 40C to +100C - 40C to +105C

6.
BH-205 3 max. 3 max. 12.525% .002 100 max. 200 125 1 1 - 0.08 .15 1 - 40C to +100C - 40C to +105C

7.
BH-206 7 max. 5 max. 45 to 75 .006

8.
BH-207 2.7 max. 2.7 max. 1525% .002

9.
BH-208 3.5 max. 3.5 max. 1025% .02

10.
BH-209 2.5 max. 3 max. 6.7525% .003 100 max. 150 75 1.5 1 - 0.08 .15 .5 - 40C to +100C - 40C to +105C

100 max. 250 max. 250 150 1 1 - 0.08 .15 1 - 40C to +100C - 40C to +105C 150 100 1.5 2.5 - 0.08 .15 1 0C to +100C 0C to +105C

500 max. 200 max. 250 max. 250 200 2 1.5 - 0.25 .2 6 - 40C to +100C - 40C to +105C 25 150 1.5 1 - 0.08 .15 1 - 40C to +100C - 40C to +105C 150 100 1.5 1.5 - 0.08 .15 1 - 40C to +100C - 40C to +105C

Notes (1) Nominal Control Current, Icn (2) Ic =100 mA

1.
Model BH-200: General-Purpose Transverse
.130" .130" MAX. .500" 0.375" .019" MAX. LEADS: AWG 34, 10" long .025" Max Over Leads Hall Plate 0.070" x 0.210"

5.
Model BH-204 Midget Axial
.100" DIA. MAX

9.
Model BH-208 Ultra-Midget Axial
.063" .002" DIA.

764"

.071".003" DIA.

0.135" .010

HALL PLATE 0.030" X 0.060"

HALL PLATE 0.020" X 0.040"

.035" MAX.

LEADS: AWG 36, 10" long

2.
Model BH-201 Ultra-Thin Transverse
3 .135" MAX. 0.50" 7 16" .010" MAX. LEADS: AWG 36, 10" long .020" MAX. 64 " HALL PLATE 0.030" X 0.060"

6.
Model BH-205 Midget Transverse
.055" HALL PLATE 0.040" X 0.090"

10.
Model BH-209 Ultra-Midget Transverse
.030" .045" MAX. 0.375" 5 " 16 .015" MAX. .022" MAX. OVER LEADS 3 " 16 .022" MAX. OVER LEADS HALL PLATE 0.020" X 0.040"

.080" MAX.

.015" MAX.

3.
Model BH-202 Small Axial
.130" DIA. MAX. " .102".003" DIA.

7.
Model BH-206 High Sensitivity Low Cost
TRANSVERSE 0.062" HALL PLATE 0.060" X 0.150" .210"

HALL PLATE 0.040" X 0.090"

.050" .093"
.030" MAX.

0.75"

4.
Model BH-203 General-Purpose Axial
.195" DIA. MAX .125" .163".004" DIA.

8.
Model BH-207 High Resolution Tangential
.025" .145" MAX.

HALL PLATE 0.030" X 0.060"

1 2"

.050" HALL PLATE 0.060" X 0.150" .093" .045" MAX.

Bell Technologies Inc., a SYPRIS company 6120 Hanging Moss Road, Orlando, Florida 32807 www.fwbell.com

Bulk Indium Arsenide BH-700 Series

Single Axis Description
Designed to meet the requirements of a wide range of magnetic field measurement applications, the BH-700 Series are small, solid-state devices that provide an output voltage proportional to the product of control current and ambient flux density. Five single-axis models are available to measure axial and transverse magnetic field components with sensitivities from 7.5 to 50 mV/kG and input and output resistance of several ohms.

Electrical Specifications
BH-702 a. Air gap: between concentrator and substrate, 0.0025" nominal and 0.003" maximum. b. Sensitivity: Basic sensitivity of Hall element .15 V/A-kG min. With the unit suspended in a free field of 100 oersteds and Ic=200 mA, the open circuit Hall voltage is 8.0 mV min. In a closed magnetic circuit with Ic =200 mA, VH is 3.mV/Ampere turn min. c. Polarity: With the magnetic field vector as shown and Ic entering the red lead, the positive Hall voltage will appear at the blue lead. a. Linearity: VH vs. B, 10 to +10 kG: 0.25% of reading, max. VH vs. B, 30 to +30 kG: 1.0% of reading, max. VH vs. Ic, 0 to 100 mA: 0.1% of reading, max. VH vs. Ic, 0 to 300 mA: 1.0% of reading, max. b. Encapsulation: The BH-701 and the BH-704 are encapsulated in a rugged aluminum oxide ceramic and epoxy case for excellent heat transfer and strength.

BH-701 BH-704

Mechanical Specifications
a. Color Code: Control Current (lc): Red (+ lc) Black (- lc) Hall Voltage (VH): Blue (+VH) Yellow (- VH) b. Polarity: With the magnetic field vector (+B) entering the top of the Hall plate and lc entering the red lead, the positive Hall voltage will appear at the blue lead.

Models
1. 2. 3. 4. 5. BH-700 BH-701 BH-702 BH-704 BH-705 Low cost, Transverse, General Purpose Rugged, High-Linearity, Transverse, Instrumentation Quality Low Field (ferrite-embedded), Transverse Rugged, High Linearity, Axial, Instrumentation Quality General Purpose, Transverse 1. 2.
UNITS ohms ohms mV/kG V mA mA % of RDG V %/C %/C V/C C C BH-700 5.5 max. 5.5 max. 50 min. 1500 max. 250 200 3 - 0.2 +0.2 6 typical - 40C to +100C - 40C to +105C BH-701 2 max. 2 max. 7.520% (3) 75 max. 300 100 ** 5 max. - 0.04 +0.18 0.3 typical - 40C to +100C - 40C to +105C

3.
BH-702 3.5 max. 3.5 max. *** 250 max. 300 200 - 0.07 +0.18 2.5 typical - 55C to +100C - 55C to +105C

4.
BH-704 2.5 max. 2.5 max. 7.520% 75 max. 300 100 ** 5 max. - 0.04 +0.18 0.5 max. - 40C to +100C - 40C to +105C

5.
BH-705 2.2 max. 2 max. 1025% 300 max. 250 100 1 5 max. - 0.08 +0.2 1 Max - 65C to +100C - 65C to +105C

SPECIFICATIONS Input resistance, R in Output resistance, R out Magnetic sensitivity, VH (1) Max. resistive residual voltage, VM @ B=0 (1) Max. control current @25C, static air Nominal control current Max. linearity error, (0 to 10 kG) with R lin Zero field thermal voltage Mean temperature coefficient of VH (-20C to +80C) (2)* Mean temperature coefficient of resistance (-20C to +80C) (2)* Temperature dependence of resistive residual voltage (-20C to +80C) (2)* Operating temperature range Storage temperature range

Notes (1) Ic =Icn (2) Ic =100 mA (3) Loaded Sensitivity

9
typical error in % of output

30 kG linearity
+1 %
% +1

BH-701 BH-704

10 kG linearity
+
1

BH-701 BH-704

1 4%

-1

-1

1 4%

optimum loading

optimum loading -10 -8 -6 -4 -2 0.0 2 4 6 8 10

magnetic field strength in kG

magnetic field strength in kG

Note:

Note:
4.

1.
Model BH-700 Low Cost Transverse
0.250" 6.35mm 0.025" 0.64mm +B 0.156" 3.96mm ceramic substrate 0.023" max. 0.58mm 0.028" max. 0.71mm

Model BH-705 General Purpose Transverse

0.035" 0.89mm 0.200" 5.08mm

0.032" 0.81mm 0.265" 0.73mm

0.125" 3.18mm 0.20" 0.5mm 0.200" 5.08mm

0.020" max. 0.51mm substrate side +B

7 1 2" 190.5mm Hall plate 0.180" x 0.080" 4.57mm x 2.03mm

10" 254mm 0.180"

Hall plate 0.060" x 0.120" 1.52mm x 3.05mm

2.
Model BH-704 High Linearity Axial
0.200" 5.08mm +B Active Area (Approx.) 0.031" dia. 0.106" 2.69mm 0.200" dia. 5.08mm 10" 254mm

5.
Model BH-702 Ferrite Imbedded Transverse

0.250" dia. 6.35mm

0.100" 2.54mm 0.200" 5.08mm 0.075" 1.91mm

ferrite concentrator

+B

0.050" 1.27mm 0.082" 0.003" 2.08mm 0.08mm 0.200" 5.08mm

71 2"
190.5mm

3.
Model BH-701 High Linerarity Transverse
NOTE: All tolerances unless specified are 0.010" Specifications may change without notice.

0.043" max. 1.09mm 0.235" 5.97mm

8"

15.88mm

10" 254mm

+
0.180" 4.57mm active area approx. 0.040" dia. (1.02mm)

Notes All tolerances unless specified are .010

Bell Technologies Inc., a SYPRIS company 6120 Hanging Moss Road, Orlando, Florida 32807 www.fwbell.com

10

Bulk Indium Arsenide BH-703

Three Axis Description
The BH-703 multi-axis Hall sensor consists of three individual Hall elements oriented in mutually perpendicular planes and encapsulated in a small epoxy package. This enables the BH-703 to produce voltages proportional to the three orthogonal components (Bx, By, Bz) of a magnetic flux in any direction. Thus the BH-703 may be permanently mounted or arbitrarily oriented to sense fields in any direction. The magnitude of the flux vector, B, can be found using the following relation:
2 B=B 2 + B 2 + B z x y

Bx Bz By Bx

The flux direction may be found using the following relations: =cos -1 B x / B, =cos -1 B y / B, =cos -1 B z / B where , , are the angles between B and Bx, By, Bz respectively.

Bz

Features
Three Axis, simultaneous measurement Instrumentation Quality

By

Mechancal Specifications
.285" dia Hall Plate "X" .060" X .120" Hall Plate "Y" .060" X .120" .150" flat .260" .180" dia .5" Hall Plate "Z" .060" X .120" .750"

a. Notes: All tolerances unless specified are 0.010". Unless otherwise noted: B=1kG, lc = lcn, T-25C, Static air. b. Leads: #34 AWG copper with polyurethane insulation, approximately 20" long. The BH-703 has 12 leads. c. Polarity: When the magnetic field vectors are oriented as shown, and lc enters the read leads, the positive Hall voltage appears at the blue leads.

Electrical Specifications
SPECIFICATIONS Input resistance, R in Output resistance, R out Magnetic sensitivity, VH (loaded) Max. resistive residual voltage, VM @ B=0 Max. control current @25C, static air Nominal control current Angularity Sensitivity matching Max. linearity error, (-10 kG to +10 kG) with R lin Mean temperature coefficient of VH (-20C to +80C) Mean temperature coefficient of resistance (-20C to +80C) Temperature dependence of resistive residual voltage (-20C to +80C) Operating temperature range Storage temperature range UNITS ohms ohms mV/kG V mA mA degrees % of RDG % of RDG %/C %/C V/C C C BH-703 3.5 max. 3.5 max. 7 to 10 100 300 100 Hall plates 1 within 2 1 1 - 0.04 max. +0.15 max. 0.5 max. - 40 to +100 - 40 to 120 BH-706 3 max. 3 max. 6 to 9 200 300 100 Hall plates 1 within 2 1 1 - 0.04 max. +0.15 max. 0.5 max. - 40 to +100 - 40 to 120

Bulk Indium BH-706

Two Axis Description
The BH-706 multi-axis Hall sensor consists of two Hall elements mounted in mutually perpendicular planes and encapsulated in a small epoxy package. This enables the BH-706 to produce voltages proportional to two perpendicular components (Bx, By) of a magnetic field. Thus the BH-706 may be permanently mounted to sense field components in its X, Y planes. The magnetic of the flux vector, B within the X, Y plane can be found using the following equation: B= B 2 + B 2 x y The direction of B can be computed using the following equation: 0=tan -1 B y / Bz where 0 is the angle between B and Bx.

11

Mechancal Specifications Mechancal Specifications

Leads: #34 AWG copper with polyurethane insulation, approximately 20" long. The BH-706 has 8 leads. Polarity: When the magnetic field vectors are oriented as shown, and Ic enters the red leads, the positive Hall voltage appears at the blue leads. Note: All tolerances unless specified are 0.010".

Features
Two Axis, simultaneous measurement Instrumentation Quality

.200" .125" dia

.5" .040"

Hall Plate "Y" .020" X .040"

Hall Plate "X" .020" X .040"

Unless otherwise noted: B=1 kG, lc =lcn, T-25 C, Static air.

Bx

By

Bell Technologies Inc., a SYPRIS company 6120 Hanging Moss Road, Orlando, Florida 32807 www.fwbell.com

12

Bulk Indium BH-850

Ultra Low Field Description
Ideal for applications such as the construction of solid state compasses, the BH-850 offers high sensitivity for very low magnetic fields at a relatively low cost.

Features
High Sensitivity Rugged construction

Mechanical Specifications
a. Leads b. Material: AWG 34 Stranded (7x42) Silver Plated Copper, Thin Wall Teflon Insulation. c. Color Code Red (+ lc) Black (- lc) d. Control Current (lc): Blue (+ VH) Yellow (- VH) e. Hall Voltage (VH): f. Polarity: With field direction as shown lc entering the red lead, the positive Hall voltage will appear at the blue lead.0

Typical Output Characteristic

IC

= 200 mA

40 20

Field direction for positive (+B)

-3

-2

-1 -20 -40

7 3 8"

B, gauss

.460"

9.0"

.250"

-60

Electrical Specifications
SPECIFICATIONS Input resistance, R in Output resistance, R out Magnetic sensitivity, VH Max. resistive residual voltage, VM @ B=0, IC = ICM Max. control current @ 25C, static air Nominal control current, I cn Mean temperature coefficient of VH (-20C to +80C) Temperature dependence of resistive residual voltage (-20C to +80C) Operating temperature range Storage temperature range UNITS ohms ohms mV/G V mA mA %/C V/C C C B-850 3.5 max. 3.5 max. 18 190 max. 300 200 - 0.18 2.5 - 55 to +85 - 55 to +85

Bulk Indium BH-900 Series

High Linearity Description
F.W. Bell 900 Series Hall Sensors are high-performance units providing high linearity and broad field and temperatures ranges for a wide variety of magnetic field measurements. All units in the series are encapsulated in rugged, epoxy, sealed cases. A room temperature linearity error curve from - 30 to +30 kG is supplied, indicating optimum operating conditions for each device. The models 900 and 921 are not calibrated above 30 kG.

13

Mechanical Specifications
a. Leads b. Material: AWG 34 Copper with Teflon Insulation (Model 921) or Polyurethane Insulation (Models 900 & 910). c. Color Code d. Control Current (lc): Red (+ lc) Black (- lc) Blue (+ VH) Yellow (- VH) Hall Voltage (VH): e. Polarity: With the magnetic field vector (+B) entering the top of the Hall plate and lc entering the red lead, the positive Hall voltage will appear at the blue leads.
Axial Hall Sensors BHA-900, 910 & 921

0.250" DIA.

0.106" 0.200" DIA.

+B
ACTIVE AREA APPROX. 0.020" DIA. 0.200" MAX. 10" MIN. PHENOLIC CASE

Models
a. BH-910 High Linearity b. BH-921 Cryogenic Operation (1.5 to 350 k) c. BH 921 & 900 Wide Dynamic Range
SPECIFICATIONS Input resistance, R in Output resistance, R out Magnetic sensitivity, VH (1) Max. resistive residual voltage, VM @ B=0 (1) Max. control current @ 25C, static air Nominal control current, I cn Max linearity error (-30 to +30 kG) (1) Max linearity error (-150 to +150 kG) (1) Typical linearity resistance R lin Mean temperature coefficient of VH (-20C to +80C) (1) Mean temperature coefficient of resistance (-20C to +80C) (1) Temperature dependence of resistive residual voltage (-20C to +80C) (1) Operating temperature range UNITS ohms ohms mV/kG mV mA mA %/to RDG %/to RDG ohms PPM/C %/C V/C C BHT-900 1.2 max. 1.2 max. .55 to 1.1 50 300 100 1 1.5 500 -50 max. 0.15 max. 0.4 max. -40 to +100 BHT-910 1.2 max. 1.2 max. .55 to 1.1 50 300 100 .1 (2) 50 to 500 -50 max. 0.15 max. 0.4 max. -40 to +100 BHT-921 1.2 max. 1.2 max. .55 to 1.1 200 300 100 1 2 500 +100 max. 0.6 max. 0.4 max. -269 to +100 BHA-900 1.5 max. 1.5 Max .55 to 1.1 50 300 100 1 1.5 500 -50 max. 0.15 max. 0.4 max. -40 to +100 BHA-910 1.5 max. 1.5 max. .55 to 1.1 50 300 100 .25 50 to 500 -50 max. 0.15 max. 0.4 max. -269 to +100 BHA-921 1.5 max. 1.5 max. .55 to 1.1 200 300 100 1 2 500 +100 max. 0.6 max. 0.4 max. -269 to +100

Notes (1) Ic = Icn (2) .1% linearity error (0-30 kG) .3% reversibility error Bell Technologies Inc., a SYPRIS company 6120 Hanging Moss Road, Orlando, Florida 32807 www.fwbell.com

14

Thin Film FH-301/FH-500 Series

InAs Thin Film, General Purpose, Transverse Description
FH-301 & FH-500 Series Hall sensors are miniature solid-state Hall effect magnetic field sensing devices. The FH-500 series uses a lead strip which is composed of printed circuit leads encased in DuPonts Kapton and terminating in contacts on .075 centers. This flexible and tough lead strip can be made in a variety of configurations. The model FH-301 has conventional wire leads.

Mechanical Specifications
Leads: #34 AWG copper with polyurethane insulation.

.125"
0.100"

0.020" MAX. B+ Hall Plate 0.040" X 0.080"

0.135"

Hall Plate 0.040" X 0.080"

.025" MAX B+

Electrical Specifications
a. Polarity: With field direction (B+) as shown and Ic Ic entering the Ic (+) a.Polarity: With field direction (B+) as shown and entering terminal, the positive Hall voltage voltage will appear atHthe terminal. the Ic (+) terminal, the positive Hall will appear at the V (+) VH (+) terminal. b. Note: Unless otherwise specified, all specifications apply at nominal b.Note: Unless otherwise specified. all specifications apply control current with T 25C. Heat sinking can enhance performance in at nominal control severalrespects. current with T 25C. Heat sinking can enhance performance in several respects.

0.500"

3.438" 2.000"

712 "

Models
1. FH-301-020 FH-520 2. FH-301-040 FH-540 3. FH-301-060 FH-560 4. FH-301L FH-500L Low Current Lowest Cost Leaded Low Current On-Lead Strip Higher Sensitivity Higher Sensitivity High Linearity High Linearity
VH(-) YELLOW IC (+) RED IC(-)BLACK VH(+)BLUE

.812" 0.280" 0.075" 0.025"

IC

.125" ( -) (+) (- ) IC (+)

0.010"

NOTE: All tolerances unless specified are 0.010"

Models
SPECIFICATIONS Input resistance, R in Output resistance, R out Magnetic sensitivity, VH (1) Max. resistive residual voltage, VM @ B=0 Max. control current @ 25C, static air Nominal control current, I cn Mean temperature coefficient of VH (-20C to +80C) (2) Mean temperature coefficient of resistance (-20 C to +80 C) (2) Temperature dependence of resistive residual voltage (-20C to +80C) (2) Operating temperature range Storage temperature range UNITS ohms ohms mV/kG mV mA mA %/C %/C +V/C C C

1.
FH-301-020/FH-520 20-40 28 -120 10 min. 2 50 25 -0.1 max. .1 max. 10 max. -55 to +100 -55 to +120

2.
FH-301-040/FH-540 40-80 56 -240 12 min. 4 30 15 -0.1 max. .1 max. 10 max. -55 to +100 -55 to +120

3.
FH-301-060/FH-560 80-160 160-480 12 min. 6 25 10 -0.1 max. .1 max. 10 max. -55 to +100 -55 to +120

4.
(3) FH-301L/FH-500L 20-120 40-360 6 min. 4 30 10 -0.1 max. .1 max. 7 max. -55 to +100 -55 to +120

Notes (1) Ic =Icn (2) Ic =10 mA (3) mm linearity error (-20 to 20 kg) = 1% of RDG

Thin Film HS-100 Series

Description
The new F.W. Bell HS-100 is the worlds thinnest thin film InAs Hall sensor measuring 0.012 inch/0.3 mm thick maximum. Manufactured from Indium Arsenide, the HS-100 offers stable operation over a wide temperature range of -55C to +185C. The HS-100, packaged in a unique flip chip configuration, is available in bulk and tape and reel formats. Applications include: use in Brushless DC motors (BLDC), contact-less switches, compasses, magnetizers, and gaussmeters. Sensor applications include current, voltage, power, frequency, position, tilt/level, tachometer, pressure, and thickness sensors.

15

Mechanical Specifications
Leads: #34 AWG copper with polyurethane insulation.

Model HS-100
.020" MAX. .012" MAX.

Electrical Specifications
a. Polarity: With field direction (B+) as shown and Ic entering the Ic (+) terminal, the positive Hall voltage will appear at the VH (+) terminal.

.120"+.015"
b. Note: Unless otherwise specified, all specifications apply at nominal control current and at a temperature of 25C. Heat sinking can enhance performance in several respects.
6 5

.094" .064" .030"

4

PIN

SIGNAL
+ + -

+B

1 and 6 3 and 4 2 5

+ .100"+0.15"

+ .073"

+
1

+
2

+
3

.040"x.080" ACTIVE AREA

.047"

.012"x.012" (6-PLCS)

SPECIFICATIONS Input resistance, R in Output resistance, R out Maximum continuous control current Magnetic sensitivity, VH @ I c =10 mA Misalignment voltage, VM @ I c =10 mA Mean temperature coefficient of magnetic sensitivity (-20C to +80C) (I c =10 mA) (B=5 kG) Mean temperature coefficient of input resistance (-20C to +80C) (I c =10 mA) Temperature dependence of resistive residual voltage (-20C to +80C) (I c =10 mA) (B=0) Operating temperature range Storage temperature range

UNITS ohms ohms mA mV/kG mV %/C %/C V/C C C

HS-100 30 to 160 60 to 360 30 8 min. 6.0 max. -0.1 max. +.1 max. 10 max. - 55 to +185 - 55 to +190

Bell Technologies Inc., a SYPRIS company 6120 Hanging Moss Road, Orlando, Florida 32807 www.fwbell.com

16

Gallium Arsenide GH Series

Description
The GH Series Hall sensors are four-terminal solid-state devices that produce an output voltage, VH , proportional to the product of the input current, Ic , and the magnetic flux density, B. The GH-600 Hall sensor uses a lead strip which is composed of DuPonts Kapton. The lead strip is terminated with tin plated copper alloy contacts spaced 0.100" (2.54 mm) on center. The Model GH-601 utilizes a specially designed lead strip which allows operation up to 50 kHz. The GH-700 is an ion implanted planar device encased in an epoxy surface-mount package. The GH-800 is a leaded device designed for through hole mounting to a PCB. It features a package 0.28" (0.7 mm) thick for placement in small air gaps. The GH-810 and GH-820 are leaded devices designed for through hole mounting to a PCB. The GH-830 is configured in a low profile package.

Features
Low Cost Gallium Arsenide Extended Frequency Range High Sensitivity Choice of Mounting Configurations Flexible Leadstrip Extended Temperature Range

Mechanical Specifications
Diagrams Below andRight All dimensions are in inches (millimeters).

1.

Model GH-600
0.065" (MAX.) (1.65mm)
....

.010".002" (0.25mm0.05mm)

+B

Models
1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. GH-600 GH-601 GH-700 GH-800 GH-810 GH-820 GH-830
.300".015" (7.62mm0.38mm)
+

1.825".020" (46.35mm0.51mm)
( ) IC ( + ) VH ( ) VH ( + ) IC

.100".005" TYP. (2.54mm0.13mm)

.450".015" (11.43mm0.38mm)

.156" (APPROX.) (3.96mm)

.500" (12.7mm) .750" (19.05mm)

.025" TYP. (0.63mm) .145".020" (3.68mm0.51mm)

Unless otherwise noted, all tolarences are 0.010 (0.25)

1.
SPECIFICATIONS Input resistance, R in Output resistance, R out Magnetic sensitivity, VH (1) Max. resistive residual voltage, VM @ B=0 (1) Max. control current @ 25C, static air Nominal control current, I cn Max. linearity error, (-10 kG to +10 kG) Mean temperature coefficient of VH (-10C to +80C) Mean temperature coefficient of resistance (-10C to +80C) Temperature dependence of resistive residual voltage (-10C to +80C) Operating temperature range Storage temperature range UNITS ohms ohms mV/kG mV mA mA % of RDG GH-600 450 to 900 580 to 1,700 50 to 140 14 10 5 2

2.
GH-601 450 to 900 580 to 1,700 50 to 140 16 10 5 2

3.
GH-700 450 to 900 approx. 1,000 50 to 140 14 10 5 2

4.
GH-800 600 to 1,200 600 to 1,200 95 to 130 20 7 5 0.7 (4)

5.
GH-810 400 to 700 approx. 2,000 22 to 31 5 15 5 2

6.
GH-820 450 to 900 3,200 max. 80 to 190 20 10 5 2

7.
GH-830 450 to 900 approx. 3,000 65 to 170 25 10 5 2

%/C %/C V/C C C

- 0.07 0.15 Typical 1 Typical (2) -55 to +125 -55 to +150

- 0.07 0.15 Typical 1 Typical (2) -55 to +125 -55 to +125

- 0.07 0.15 Typical 1 Typical (2) -55 to +125 -55 to +150

- 0.07 0.18 max. 40 max. (1,3) -40 to +175 -50 to +180

- 0.05 0.5 max. (2) 1 Typical (2) -55 to +125 -55 to +150

- 0.06 0.15 Typical 1 Typical (2) -55 to +125 -55 to +150

- 0.05 .3 Max 5 Typical (2) -55 to +125 -55 to +150

Notes (1) Nominal Control Current, Icn (5 mA) (2) Control Current=1 mA (3) Temperature range +25C to +75C (4) 0.2% of reading from - 5 kG + 5 kG

Gallium Arsenide GH Series

All dimensions are in inches (millimeters).

17
5.
Model GH-810 Model GH-810
.110 ".004" (2.8mm0.1mm) HALL ELEMENT CENTER .031" (0.787mm)
+

2.

Model GH-601

.063" (1.6mm +B

.122" .004" (3.1mm0.1mm) .083" (2.11mm) .118" (3.0mm)

.189" .006" (4.8mm0.15mm) .037" (0.95mm)

.473" .008" (12mm0.2mm)

PIN
1 2 3 4

SIGNAL
+ + -

3 4

.012" TYP. (0.3mm) .040" TYP. (1.0mm)

.008" (0.2mm)

3.

Model GH-700
+.006" .114" -.012" +0.20mm ( 2.90mm -0.30mm )

Model GH-700
.092" (2.33mm) .020" (0.51mm)
C

6.

Model GH-820
.070" DIA. (1.8mm) .027" (0.7mm)

Model GH-820
.157".004" (4.0mm0.1mm) .027" (0.686mm)
+

.047".004" (1.2mm0.1mm) .010" (0.25mm)

.024" (0.61mm)
+
C

.090".004" .063" (2.3mm0.1mm) (1.6mm)

.020" (0.5mm)

.010" (0.25mm)

.075" (1.90mm) .037" (0.94mm) + .022" (0.55mm)

+
2 3

.004" (0.10mm) .033" (0.85mm)

.114" .008" (2.90mm 0.20mm)

.063".004" (1.6mm0.1mm) .473" MIN. (12mm)

.024" MAX. (0.6mm)

.016" (0.41mm)
PIN
1 2 3 4

.059" +.010" -.006" (1.50mm+0.25mm ) -0.15mm +B +.004 .006 -.002 +0.10mm ) (0.15mm -0.06mm
5

SIGNAL
+ + -

.012" .032" (0.30mm) (0.81mm)

.044" +.006" -.002" (1.10mm +0.15mm ) - 0.05mm .002 .002 (0.05mm 0.05mm)

.016".004" TYP. (0.4mm0.1mm)

3
1 2

.040" TYP. (1.0mm) +B

3 4

PIN
1 2 3 4

SIGNAL
+ + -

.012" (0.3mm)

.010" (0.25mm)

4.

Model GH-800

Model GH-800
Active Area .008" Square (0.2mmSquare)

7.

Model GH-830

Model GH-830
.098" .008" (2.5mm .2mm) .059" (1.5mm)

.050" TYP. (1.27mm)

.472".012" (12mm0.3mm)
4 3

.083".008 (2.1mm0.2mm)

.014" (.36mm)
1 4

.150" TYP. (3.81mm)

2 1

.118".008" (3.0mm0.2mm) .032".006" (0.8mm0.15mm) Chip Center

14

.067" .006" .039" (1.7mm .15mm) (1.0mm)

2 3

PIN
1 2 3

SIGNAL
+ + -

PIN
1 2 3 4

SIGNAL
+ +

.016" TYP. (0.4mm) .177".008" (4.5mm0.2mm) .008".004" (0.2mm0.1mm) Flash MAX. .004" (0.1mm)

.024" (.6mm)

+B

0.10" (.25mm)

+B

.028"-.004" (0.7mm-0.1mm)

.002" (.05mm)

.004" (.1mm)

.014" (.35mm)

Bell Technologies Inc., a SYPRIS company 6120 Hanging Moss Road, Orlando, Florida 32807 www.fwbell.com

18

Indium Antimonide SH Series

Description
The SH series Hall effect sensors are four terminal Indium Antimonide devices that are extremely sensitive to low magnetic fields. These devices produce an output voltage, Vh, proportional to the product of the input current, Ic, and the magnetic flux density, B.

Features
Low Cost Indium Antimonide Very High Sensitivity Low Current Requirement Choice of Mounting Configuration

Models
1. 2. 3. 4. SH-400 SH-410 SH-420 SH-430 Models
SPECIFICATIONS Input resistance, R in Output resistance, R out Magnetic sensitivity, VH (1) Max. resistive residual voltage, VM @ B=0 Max. control current @ 25C, static air Nominal control current, I cn Mean temperature coefficient of VH (0C to +40C) (1) Mean temperature coefficient of resistance (0C to +40C) (2) Operating temperature range Storage temperature range UNITS ohms ohms mV/kG mV mA mA %/C %/C C C

1.
SH-400 240 to 550 240 to 550 292 to 1,120 20 20 5 -1.8 -1.8 -40 to +110 -40 to +125

2.
SH-410 240 to 550 240 to 550 290 to 1,760 20 20 5 -1.8 -1.8 -40 to +110 -40 to +125

3.
SH-420 240 to 550 240 to 550 100 to 330 16 20 5 -1.8 -1.8 -40 to +110 -40 to +125

4.
SH-430 240 to 550 240 to 550 290 to 1,760 20 20 5 -1.8 -1.8 -40 to +110 -40 to +125

Notes (1) Nominal Control Current, Icn =5 mA (2) Control Current=0.1 mA

19
Mechanical Specifications
All dimensions are in inches (millimeters).

1.

Model SH-400
.037" (.95mm)

Model SH-400
BLUE STRIPE
5

3.
.106" (2.7mm) .093" (2.35mm) .010" (.250mm)

Model SH-420

Model SH-420

.083".004" (2.100mm.100mm) .051" (1.300mm)

2 1

.035" (.900mm) +B .040" (1.00mm)

.083".008" (2.100mm.200mm)

.049".004" (1.250mm.100mm)
PIN
1 3 4 2 3

SIGNAL
+ + -

BLUE STRIPE .015" (.38mm) .031" (.800mm) .016" MAX. (.400mm)

PIN
1

.020" (.500mm)

.590" (15.0mm)

.010" (.250mm) .012" (.300mm) .022" (.550mm) 5 .010" (.250mm)

SIGNAL
+ + 1 2 3 4

.008" (.2mm)

2 3 4

.012" TYP. (.300mm) .040" TYP. (1.00mm)

.004" (.100mm)

5 .004" (.100mm)

.010" (.250mm

2.

Model GH-601

Model SH-410

4.

Model SH-430
Model SH-430
.114".004" (2.900mm.100mm) .075" (1.900mm)

.114".004" (2.900mm.100mm) .020" (.500mm) .075" (1.900mm)

2 1

.020" (.500mm) .027" (.700mm) .061".004" (1.550mm.100mm)

PIN
1 2 3 4

SIGNAL
+ + -

.114".008" (2.900mm.200mm)
3 4

2 .275" (7.000mm) 3

1 .061".004" (1.550mm.100mm) 4
PIN
1 2

.027" (.700mm)

SIGNAL
+ + -

.012" (.300mm)

.014" (.350mm)

5
.01" (.400mm)
3

3 4

.031" (.800mm) .043" +.008" -.004" (1.100mm +.200mm ) -.100mm 10 .004" (.100mm) 5

.004" (.100mm)

.016" (.400mm)
5

.004" (.100mm) +.008" .043" -.004" (1.100mm +.200mm ) -.100mm

10

.012" (.300mm)

Bell Technologies Inc., a SYPRIS company 6120 Hanging Moss Road, Orlando, Florida 32807 www.fwbell.com

20

Hall Sensor Mounting Handling

The Hall sensor is fragile. It cannot be handled the same way most other electronic components are handled. The aluminum oxide substrate is brittle, thin and very sensitive to bending stress. Use the leads to move and locate it. Do not handle the substrate. The lead-to-substrate bond strength bond strength is on the order of an ounce. Avoid tension on the leads and avoid bending them close to the substrate. The leads may be bent at any angle as long as the bend is a least 1/8" away from the substrate connection.

Fig. 1

Slot Mounting

Slot Mounting Fig. 1

The preferred mounting procedure is to locate the chip in a slot that is any depth, .003 inch wider and .010 inch longer than the substrate. Tack the leads outside the slot with Sylgard 186* or a similar substance. Dont get Sylgard 186 inside the slot. If an extreme temperature range is expected, check the coefficients of thermal expansion to be certain that the slot will always have clearance for the chip. This procedure is not recommended for installations that will be subject to any acceleration greater than 10 g.

W + .010"

Front View

Surface Mounting Fig. 2

Surface mounting is acceptable when necessary. The mounting surface may be any non-flexible solid with a flat smooth (.001") surface at least the size of the substrate. The substrate must not overhang the mounting surface. Steel, ferrite, ceramic, and glass are examples of mounting surfaces. For extended temperature ranges, choose a material with a coefficient of thermal expansion no greater than a factor of three different from IN = that of the aluminum oxide substrate ~ 7x10 - 6 C

Slygard 186

t + .003"

Permanent Mount
Sparingly coat the mounting surface with Eastman 910 contact cement or other similar cement. The ceramic side of the substrate is visible as non-red or as opposite the Hall element. Locate the ceramic side on the clean, degreased surface and apply extremely light pressure with a foam pad until the bond is made (see Figure 7). Wipe off the excess contact cement. Use an epoxy such as Bacon Industries FA8 or Emerson and Cuming 2850FT to form a fillet around the plate and to secure the leads. Dont get epoxy on top of the chip. If encapsulation is absolutely necessary, use a light coating of Sylgard 186 or a similar soft material.
jig

Side View

Fig. 2
contact cement

surface mounting
epoxy

Non-Permanent Surface Mount

Secure the substrate against the surface with a foam-padded mounting jig. The jig should apply only light pressure. Temporarily secure the leads with Sylgard 186 or a similar material.

foam sylgard 186

*

Post-Mounting Test
After the Hall sensor has been mounted, check the misalignment voltage per the proper specification. A large misalignment voltage shift (100 V) is a sign of Hall sensor physical damage.

21 Cautions!
To avoid possible permanent damage to the Hall sensor, please read the following instructions carefully before making connections to a power supply. The following schematic diagram illustrates the proper connections for the Hall sensor: Refer to the Hall sensor specification for the AWG size of the leads. If a loading resistor, RL, is specified, then is must be added to the output circuit as shown in Figure 5 to obtain the specified linearity.

Misalignment (Null) Voltage Compensation

In the manufacturing of the Hall sensor, the Hall voltage contacts are placed on the semiconductor plate as accurately as possible so that very little output voltage will exist when there is no magnetic field present. For many applications, this resistive null voltage is low enough to be neglected, but for low field applications, it may be appreciable compared to the Hall output voltage VH. If this is the case, a null voltage balancing network such as that in Figure 6 will make it possible to reduce the resistive null voltage to zero. The fine control may not be required.
Figure 5 Hall Sensor Circuit Configuration

Effects of Residual Magnetism

Care should be taken to ensure that what appears to be an offset voltage of the Hall sensor is not really the result of a residual magnetic field. Any magnetic material with a residual field in close proximity to the Hall sensor could effect a slight Hall output voltage, VH. Items such as fixures, jigs, probes, metal tables, metal cabinets, etc., are potential sources of residual magnetic fields. Even the Earths magnetic field (approximately 1/2 gauss) could cause an undesireable offset voltage. The circuit in Figure 6 can also be used to zero out many of these voltages.

Current Source
A constant current supply is recommended for appli-cations requiring fixed control current. This eliminates effects of input resistance changes resulting from temperature or field variations (magnetoresistance effect). A bruteforce constant current source may be made by connecting a large resistor (30 times R in or higher) in series with a battery or constant voltage power supply. In any case, the short-circuit current should be within the maximum current rating of the Hall sensor. The control current may be either ac or dc. This is determined by the nature of the field and the bype of output signal desired.

Lead 1 and 2 are control current (IC ) leads 3 and 4 are Hall voltage (VH) leads Color Code: AWG 34red (+IC ), black (-IC ), blue (+VH ), yellow (-VH ) AWG 36 neutral (+IC ), green (-IC ). red (+VH), neutral (-VH)

Hall Generator
Current Source

See data, if specified

Output Indication

Output Indicator
T h e H a l l o u t p u t voltage, VH may be observed on any suitable instrument such as a millivolt meter, oscilloscope, or recorder. The input impedance of the instrument should be greater than approximately 1,000 ohms. Since the four Hall sensor leads connect to four points on a semicond u c t o r p l a t e h a v i n g d i f f e re n t potentials, no two leads can be connected together without upsetting the operation. Therefore, the current source have a common connection, but must be isolated from each other. One or the other, but not both, may be grounded.

Figure 6 Null Voltage Compensation

Hall Sensor
Current Source Output Indication

Bell Technologies Inc., a SYPRIS company 6120 Hanging Moss Road, Orlando, Florida 32807 www.fwbell.com