Tessenderlo, Belgium, 13th July 2016 – Melexis, a global microelectronics engineering company, has further expanded its comprehensive portfolio of current sensing devices, based on cutting-edge implementation of Hall effect technology, by announcing the MLX91210 family.
Running off a 5V supply, MLX91210 ICs have current sensitivity levels down to 26.7mV/A and support linear current measurement ranges that span as far as ±75A corresponding to 30ARMS current. Available in SO8 and SO16 package formats, these fully integrated Hall-effect current sensors have extremely low resistive losses (0.8m? for the SO8 and 0.7m? for the SO16) and provide high voltage isolation ratings (2.1kVRMS and 2.5kVRMS respectively), as well as accelerated responsiveness (within just 5us). The sensor output of each IC is factory-calibrated for a specific current range and compensated for optimal stability in relation to temperature and over the course of its working lifespan, so that long term accuracy is maintained.
With provision to be factory calibrated for zero-current output point and sensitivity, each of these devices produces a linear analog output that is proportional to the current flowing directly through the IC’s leadframe. Inside the IC package, the magnetic field generated by the current flow is sensed differentially by two sets of Hall plates. This set up combats the effect of external fields and crosstalk. The close proximity of the Hall plates with the current conductor results in superior signal integrity, but at the same time a strong insulation layer separates the primary and secondary sides. The devices exhibit strong robustness against external fields, something that will get ever more critical as the density of power electronics designs increases. The key differentiator though is the virtually non-existent magnetic hysteresis that is witnessed, which results from the design not needing a ferromagnetic concentrator. A -40°C to 125°C temperature range is supported, and the sensors comply with IEC-60950 (furthermore the SO16 packaged devices adhere to UL1577).
Thanks to their high speed and compact size, key applications for MLX91210 ICs that support both DC and AC current measurements, include precision current flow monitoring in power distribution units of server farms and data centers, power supplies and converters, demand response load control, household/appliance smart metering and energy intelligence, solar power converters and combiner boxes, and electrical motor control in general.
“There is greater impetus for compact current/power monitoring in both domestic and industrial environments, with new legislative measures being established for higher efficiencies as well as financial concerns due to escalating energy costs,” explains Bruno Boury, Product Line Manager for Magnetic Sensing at Melexis. “These new high speed devices are raising the bar in current sensor technology. Thanks to their compact form factors combining the sensing and isolation mechanism in a few tens of square millimeter footprint with very low ohmic losses, thermal drift compensation features and crosstalk immunity, they can be deployed into concentrated electronic systems and still deliver high degrees of accuracy.”
About Melexis
Melexis designs, develops, tests and markets advanced integrated semiconductor products. Our devices meet the world’s growing demand for greener and safer cars that are fun to drive, smarter appliances and more conscious buildings. We supply unique sensor and driver chips, communicating with analog, digital, wired or wireless interfaces, enhanced with advanced on board microcontrollers or DSP capabilities. Our core experience is derived from over 25 years supplying leading-edge and innovative ICs to the automotive electronics market, expanding in other application fields such as smart appliances and building automation. Melexis is proud to partner with our customers to engineer the sustainable future.
Melexis’ portfolio is built around three pillars: Sensing, Driving and Communicating. Sensors include magnetic, MEMs, and sensor interface ICs; optoelectronic single point and linear array sensors; infrared thermometers, CMOS wide dynamic range, Time of Flight and night vision cameras. Driver ICs cover Advanced DC & BLDC motor controllers and FET Pre-driver ICs. Communication ICs serve RKE, TPMS, ISM band applications, NFC, RFID reader and smart tag solutions. For more information, visit www.melexis.com
