creating a smaller form factor for endstops that have a lower cost that current commercial solutions

Title: Designing a Cost-effective Hall Effect Endstop in a small formfactor for 3D Printers Using AS5600 Sensor and Operational Amplifiers.

Abstract: This project presents the development of a compact and affordable Hall effect endstop for 3D printers, aiming to replace traditional microswitches. Using the AS5600 linear Hall effect sensor, an operational amplifier is used to convert the linear output of the AS5600 into a binary signal. The system incorporates a potentiometer to adjust sensitivity, effectively altering the trigger point's distance.

Introduction: Microswitches commonly used as endstops in 3D printers exhibit wear and inconsistency over time, but primarily require real estate on the machine. The implementation of a Hall effect sensor provides a more reliable and durable alternative. The AS5600 sensor's linear output requires conversion to a binary signal for effective use as an endstop. This mini project details the circuit design and fabrication of a compact and cost-efficient Hall effect endstop for 3D printers and other movement applications

Materials and Methods: The heart of the design comprises the AS5600 linear Hall effect sensor, an operational amplifier, and a potentiometer. The AS5600's linear output is fed into the operational amplifier configured as a comparator, enabling the transformation of the linear signal into a digital output. The potentiometer is integrated into the circuit to adjust sensitivity, thereby modulating the trigger point's distance.

The entire setup is housed on a custom-printed PCB to ensure precision and compactness. The first PCB design being a quick and easy design with no space optimisation and the final being designed for compactness.

Results: The implemented circuit effectively converts the AS5600's linear output into a binary signal, providing a reliable trigger mechanism for the 3D printer's endstop function. The potentiometer allows fine-tuning of sensitivity, enabling customization of trigger distances according to specific physical requirements.

Additional steps to follow up on this are to create housings for the the endstop to allow it to easily incorporated into structural elements such as 2020 aluminium framing for an optimised use of the AS5600 which is a relatively small component by incorporating it into fixtures it can be better protects and utilised.

Keywords: AS5600 sensor, operational amplifier, Hall effect endstop, 3D printer, potentiometer, PCB fabrication, trigger point, sensor sensitivity.