What is the “hall effect” supposed to mean/be for videogame controller joysticks
In: Engineering
Its a conductor that detects a magnetic field and the movements of said conductor changes the voltage induced. It essentially means theres no physical potentiometer, which is the usual type of analog sensor in most controllers. These can wear out faster, leading to stick drift, inaccuracy, and other issues. Since Hall Effect sensors have no physical contacts to induce a voltage signal, they can last much longer and tend to be more accurate.
It uses the magic of magnets to make the game move. Other controllers use rubbing to make the game move and rubbing means the controller will break one day. The magnet one won’t break as quickly or maybe ever!
The hall effect uses a semiconductor and a magnet. When the magnet on the joystick is moved it generates a voltage in the semiconductor. This is preferable to using variable resistors because there is no contact and no significant moving parts to wear out. They are cheap, reliable and potentially higher resolution.
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