Melexis, a global microelectronics engineering company, has introduced the MLX91216 XHF extra high-field current sensor, extending the ease and accuracy of its unique IMC-Hall® technology into high-current measurement for emerging automotive applications.
Capable of measuring current to beyond 2000 A, the MLX91216 XHF is suited to redundant monitoring of battery-management systems (BMS), over-current detection in smart fuses, and measuring phase currents in traction inverters and boost/recuperation inverters. With user-programmable filtering to adjust resolution, response time, and bandwidth for optimum signal-to-noise ratio, the sensor features built-in diagnostics, including broken-wire detection.
The SOIC8 surface-mount device contains Melexis’ patented Integrated Magnetic Concentrator (IMC) that enables accurate contact-free measurement of busbar current in combination with a simple U-shape magnetic shield. When mounted on a PCB, the sensor is positioned over the busbar, within the shield, allowing easier assembly than conventional Hall sensors. What differentiates the proven IMC-Hall® technology from coreless solutions is that position is much less critical. The design can accept more mechanical movement because the measurement is not dependent on a magnetic field gradient. Other technologies that are can result in very severe bus bar machining causing important thermal hot spots. On the other hand, IMC-Hall® technology carries the advantages of coreless technologies, so it lends itself to smaller assemblies with surface mount package solutions. This avoids the use of more complex through-hole packages that often require specific lead bending/forming native to core based solutions.
The MLX91216 XHF extends the family of Melexis IMC-Hall® sensors that provide accurate, high-speed current measurement for a wide range of automotive and industrial applications.
MLX91216 High field (HF) versions: 200 to 600 A
MLX91216 Very High Field (VHF) versions: 400 to 1200 A
MLX91216 eXtra High Field (XHF) versions: 800 to 2000 A
Available now, the MLX91216 XHF is AEC-Q100 Grade-0 qualified for automotive applications and operates over the temperature range -40 °C to +150 °C. The sensor has a wide measurement range from ±20 mT to ±350 mT with linearity down to ±0.2% full scale, 2 μs response time, and high thermal stability with offset drift below 5 mV and sensitivity drift within 1%.
About Melexis
Combining a passion for technology with truly inspired engineering, Melexis designs, develops and delivers innovative micro-electronic solutions that enable designers to turn ideas into applications that support the best imaginable future. The company’s advanced mixed-signal semiconductor sensor and actuator components address the challenges of integrating sensing, driving and communication into next-generation products and systems that improve safety, raise efficiency, support sustainability and enhance comfort.
A world leader in automotive semiconductor sensors, Melexis has used its core experience in creating chips for vehicle electronics to expand its portfolio of sensors, driver ICs and wireless devices to also meet the needs of smart appliances, home automation, industrial and medical applications. Melexis sensing solutions include magnetic sensors, MEMS sensors (pressure, TPMS, infrared), sensor interface ICs, optoelectronic single point and linear array sensors and Time of Flight. The company’s driver IC portfolio incorporates advanced DC & BLDC motor controllers, LED drivers and FET pre-driver ICs, while Melexis has the know-how and expertise to build bridges between components, allowing them to communicate in a clear and fast way, whether wired (e.g. LIN, SENT) or wireless (RKE, RFID).
Melexis is headquartered in Belgium and employs over 1,500 people in 20 locations worldwide. The company is publicly traded on Euronext Brussels (MELE).
For more information, visit www.melexis.com