Introduction of the Honeywell 2AV54 

The Honeywell 2AV54 is a Hall-vane sensor that was widely used in various industrial and automotive applications from the 1980s through the early 2000s. Distinguished by its precision in detecting camshaft and crankshaft positions, it was integrated into vehicles from manufacturers such as BMW, Saab, and Volvo. However, with the Honeywell 2AV54 now discontinued, many engineers and classic vehicle enthusiasts are searching for a reliable Honeywell 2AV54 replacement. The CYHME56 from ChenYang Technologies offers a compatible reproduction model designed to fill that gap. 

This article explores the original Honeywell 2AV54’s functionality, operating principle, and applications, while also introducing the CYHME56, which is designed as a direct Honeywell 2AV54 replacement. Whether for classic BMW motorcycles, Saab ignition systems, or Volvo engine management, CYHME56 offers the performance and compatibility needed to keep legacy systems running. Well then, let’s dive in!

Technical Function of the Honeywell 2AV54

The Honeywell 2AV54 is a digital Hall-vane sensor based on the Hall effect combined with mechanical shading by a so-called “vane”. Its design is tailored to position detection in rotating systems such as the box motor of a motorbike.

Components and Structure

• Integrated Hall sensor: Generates an electrical voltage when a magnetic field is applied perpendicularly to a current-carrying conductor.
• Permanent magnet: Produces the magnetic field influenced by the vane.
• Movable vane (metal blade): Attached to a rotating shaft, cyclically interrupts the magnetic field between magnet and Hall sensor.
• Amplifier and switching logic: Amplifies the Hall signal and outputs a digital signal (0 V / “Low” or open / “High”).

Circuit Principle

In idle state, when no vane is within the sensing area, the magnetic field reaches the Hall sensor without obstruction. The sensor then outputs a defined digital signal (e.g., “High”). As soon as the vane enters the gap, it blocks the magnetic field, causing an abrupt change in Hall potential. In this case, the Hall sensor interprets this as a position change and switches the output to “Low.” Accordingly, the following illustration — Figure 1 shows the working principle of a Hall-vane sensor and the relative positions of its components.

Advantages of the Design

• Contactless signal generation: No mechanical wear due to absence of contacts.
• High switching precision: Responds to very small changes in vane position.
• Short response time: Suitable for fast-rotating shafts (e.g., camshafts, crankshafts).
• Temperature and vibration resistance: Well-suited for engine environments with operating temperatures ranging from –40 °C to +150 °C.

What are the typical functions of the Honeywell 2AV54?

Engineers used the Honeywell 2AV54 in a variety of automotive applications requiring precise, contactless switching signals. 

To name a few, key functions of the Honeywell 2AV54 include:

1. Detection of crankshaft or camshaft position
   The sensor detects when a metallic vane passes between magnet and sensor. In engine control, this provides accurate position data for ignition timing and fuel injection.
2. Generation of ignition impulses
   In traditional ignition systems (e.g., BMW boxer engines), the vane’s passage generates a digital pulse. The control unit interprets this as an ignition signal, triggering the spark at the exact moment required.
3. Basis for sequential fuel injection
   In modern engine control units with sequential injection, the ECU must know which cylinder is in the power stroke. The Honeywell 2AV54 enables this by reliably detecting camshaft position.
4. Alternative to mechanical contacts
   As a non-contact sensor, it is resistant to wear, oil, dirt, and vibration, making it ideal for long-lasting applications compared with conventional breaker points or sliding contacts.

Industrial and Automotive Applications of the Honeywell 2AV54

What is the Honeywell 2AV54 sensor used for?

Orignally, the Honeywell 2AV54 was installed as an OEM component in various production vehicles. The list below summarises some models that use the Honeywell 2AV54. 

Replacement of Honeywell 2AV54 with CYHME56: An Alternative from Asia

What is the best replacement for Honeywell 2AV54?

The best replacement for the discontinued Honeywell 2AV54 is the CYHME56 sensor, a Hall-vane device from ChenYang Technologies. Designed for full mechanical and electrical compatibility, CYHME56 serves as a direct substitute in many automotive and motorcycle applications. What’s more, it is strictly compliant to the EU standard and regulations, e.g. RoHS and REACH. Thanks to that, the CYHME56 is widely used for servicing older vehicles where the original Honeywell part is no longer available. (More on the technical similarities of CYHME56 and Honeywell 2AV54 in the next section of this article.)

Technical Similarities

Despite of different circuitry principle, the CYHME56 Hall-vane sensor is capable to replicate the core features of the Honeywell 2AV54. Key similarities include:

• Supply voltage: 4.5 – 24 V DC → Compatible with automotive and industrial control systems.
• Output signal: Open-collector (NPN pull-down) → Can be adapted to 5 V or 12 V logic with external pull-up resistor.
• Switching behavior: Digital, fast, with sharp edges (typical rise time <10 µs).
• Mechanical form: Mounting dimensions, flange holes, and connector orientation match the 2AV54 → Direct replacement, often without modifications.
• Temperature range: –40 °C to +150 °C → Suitable for typical automotive conditions.
• Housing material: Plastic-encapsulated, resistant to vibration and fluids → Reliable in oily, dusty, and humid environments.
• Integrated magnet: Like the 2AV54, requires no external magnet.
• Vane principle: Operates with a separate metal vane for shading → Suitable for rotating discs or fork mechanisms.

Compatible Vehicles for CYHME56 (as Replacement for Honeywell 2AV54)

Conclusion

To conclude, the Honeywell 2AV54 was a versatile and robust sensor that played a key role in numerous automotive applications, particularly in engine control systems of older vehicles. However, with production discontinued, workshops and enthusiasts increasingly face challenges in sourcing replacements.

Meanwhile, the CYHME56 Hall-vane sensor from ChenYang Technologies offers the core functions of the Honeywell 2AV54 with compatible electrical and mechanical properties. This makes the CYHME56 not only a compatible replacement for Honeywell 2AV54 but, in some cases, the only available and reliable option on the market, especially for older BMW motorcycles as well as Saab and Volvo models. However, a case-by-case compatibility check is still recommended. 

If you want to learn more about our product CYHME56, you can also easily find and download the datasheet on our website.

At the end, if you still have any questions about vane sensors or would like to find a custom solution to your needs, book a free consultation today with our expert team! We are more than glad to help.