Exploring AS5601 Position Sensor
In this blog, I share my experience using the AS5601 magnetic position sensor in building a DIY turntable. I discuss the sensor's role in achieving precise rotation, overcoming noise issues, and how the intuitive GUI made setup and adjustments easier. This project highlighted the importance of precision and simplicity in hardware design.
Working with the AS5601 sensor in my recent DIY turntable project was an insightful experience. I needed precise rotational control, and this sensor was perfect for detecting the angular position of the turntable's magnet. Setting it up was surprisingly straightforward, though I did have to experiment a bit with the placement of the magnet to get the best readings.
One of the challenges I faced was ensuring consistent output as I wanted the turntable to rotate smoothly at different speeds, and the sensor's high resolution helped with that. Initially, I had issues with noise from nearby electronic components affecting the sensor's readings, but I found that placing the magnet closer to the sensor while tweaking the setup using the company's GUI improved stability. The GUI was particularly helpful here—it allowed me to visualize the magnetic field and make real-time adjustments, which saved me hours of trial and error.
What I enjoyed most was how intuitive the sensor became in my setup after some adjustments. Its low power draw was also a bonus since I wanted to keep the overall power consumption of the turntable system as low as possible. This project gave me a deep appreciation for the sensor’s design, especially how its simplicity belies its precision and reliability. It’s the kind of component that makes you realize how essential small details are in hardware projects like this.
