Reed Sensors vs. Hall Effect Sensors

Reed Sensors vs. Hall Effect Sensors

Hall Effect sensors also use the presence of magnetic force to power the opening and closing of a switch, but that’s where their similarities end. These sensors are semiconductor transducers that produce a voltage to activate solid-state switches rather than switches with moving parts. Some other key differences between the two switch types include:

Durability. Hall Effect sensors may need additional packaging to protect them from the environment, whereas reed sensors are protected within hermetically sealed containers. However, since reed sensors use mechanical movement, they are more susceptible to wear and tear.
Electricity demand. Hall Effect switches require a constant flow of current. Reed sensors, on the other hand, only require power to generate a magnetic field intermittently.
Vulnerability to interference. Reed switches can be prone to mechanical shock in certain environments, while Hall Effect switches are not. Hall Effect switches, on the other hand, are more susceptible to electromagnetic interference (EMI).
Frequency range. Hall effect sensors are useable over a wider frequency range, while reed sensors are usually limited to applications with frequencies below 10 kHz.
Cost. Both sensor types are fairly cost-effective, but overall reed sensors are cheaper to produce, which makes Hall Effect sensors somewhat more expensive.
Thermal conditions. Reed sensors perform better in extreme hot or cold temperatures, while Hall Effect sensors tend to experience performance issues at temperature extremes.