Current sensors is world’s most accurate, claims Allegro
Allegro Microsystems claims that the ACS37002 is the world’s most accurate 400kHz current sensor IC with 5kV isolation rating. It has an integrated conductor that enables more efficient power conversion in higher frequency switching applications, says the company.
The family of advanced Hall-effect current sensors has 400kHz sensing bandwidth up to 180A with low offset and better than one per cent typical total accuracy over the full -40 to +150 degrees C automotive temperature range. The high speed operation allows customers to operate at higher switching frequencies and design SiC and GaN switching platforms that improve efficiency. The device also employs differential sensing for high immunity to external magnetic field disturbances.
The electrical performance, packaging and factory calibration make the ACS37002 suitable for many challenging applications “There is no longer any need to compromise between speed, accuracy and power density,” said Bob Briano, Allegro’s product line manager, commenting on the ACS37002. It can be used for demanding green energy industrial and electric vehicle applications. Suitable applications are solar power inverters, on-board charger power factor correction, DC/DC converter loop control and xEV high voltage inverters.
Allegro’s factory programming allows designers to achieve a faster time to market in green energy and high-efficiency automotive markets.
In response to increased use of SiC and GaN switches, Allegro created the ACS37002 with maximised speed of the Hall plates. A higher speed current sensor with high accuracy and DC stability allows for tighter control of the motor or power converter control loop, explained Allegro. This improves overall efficiency of the system and faster switching also helps designers to reduce overall system size.
“The 400 kHz bandwidth of this device allows designers to accurately sense [SiC and GaN’s] faster switching currents,” continued Briano.
The ACS37002 also helps designers to reduce system size and reduce time to market by decreasing design cycle time. It includes fast over-current fault detection function for system reliability, reference output for accuracy in noisy environments and four-pin-selectable sensitivity settings in a single component, which can reduce inventory part numbers on platform products.
The ACS37002 is available in three different SOICW-16 packages: LA (optimised for higher sensitivity and lower noise), MA (providing high isolation of 4.8kVrms) and MC (combining best-in-class conductor resistance of 0.27 microW and highest isolation rating of 5kVrms, claims Allegro) for applications where ultra-low power loss and high reinforced isolation are needed.
