What is measured when testing a Hall effect sensor as the target moves?

• A. Sensor Output voltage
• B. Magnetic field strength
• C. Target speed
• D. Current through sensor

Answer: (A)

A Hall effect sensor is a transducer: it converts changes in magnetic field into a voltage signal. When the target (magnet) moves, the magnetic flux density at the sensor changes, and that changing field produces a corresponding change in the output voltage. So, during a test where the target moves, what you measure is the sensor output voltage, which reflects the varying magnetic field.

The magnetic field strength is the quantity the sensor responds to, but the actual measurement you read with equipment is the voltage produced by the Hall element. Target speed isn’t directly measured by this device in typical testing, and the current through the sensor is set by the supply and isn’t what’s being observed to track the moving target.