1 Introduction

This simple thumb toggle joystick uses a 3/8" (9.5 mm) spherical magnet as both a magnetic field source and mechanical bearing. The magnet clips into the base where it may pivot above a three-dimensional Hall effect sensor. This motion allows the magnet to provide the necessary magnetic field input to the sensor to detect both angle and magnitude of tilt.

For correct function, it is important to follow this step-by-step guide to ensure proper alignment of the magnet polarization.

The result of ideal magnet alignment will produce a field vector at the sensor location entirely in the Z direction. Depending on the tilt of the magnet, it is possible to calculate both the angle and magnitude of the X and Y components to determine the overall magnitude and direction of the thumb toggle tilt.

More details related to this operation can be found in Measuring 3D Motion With Absolute Position Sensors (SBAA512).