Current sensor uses fluxgate transducer technology for charge measurement
To enable designers of lithium-ion battery management systems to maximise the autonomy range of electric vehicles (EVs), LEM has developed the CAB 1500 current sensor. It is claimed to offers best-in-class performance for accurate battery charge level measurement.
EV design engineers are continually searching for sensors that can offer the superior levels of efficiency and accuracy they require for optimum range. The CAB 1500 is the latest member of LEM’s CAB series of automotive grade sensors that use fluxgate transducer technology to deliver the high accuracy and low offset required for reliable coulomb counting, i.e., measuring the discharging current of Li-ion batteries to estimate their state of charge.
The CAB series complies with the ISO 26262 functional safety standard (to automotive safety integrity level C) and is easy to apply through a controller area network (CAN) interface offering 500kbits per second, said LEM.
The CAB 1500 open loop fluxgate sensor is equipped with electronic mechanisms and software for battery management system reliability. It can be bus bar or panel mounted. In addition, it combines what is claimed to be best-in-class resolution up to 0.1 per cent with the lowest offset and highest accuracy, said LEM.
As well as offering an extended current range up to ±1500A and compatibility with 800V applications to the IEC 60664-1 standard, the CAB 1500 sensor boasts non-intrusive measurement for full galvanic isolation up to 2.5kV. Other features include low power consumption and 0.5 per cent total error over temperatures from -40 to +85 degrees C.
Jérémie Piro, LEM’s global product manager BMS and battery storage, explained: “Accurate battery charge level measurement is a crucial factor in being able to maximise the autonomy range of electric vehicles . . . . The CAB 1500 uses fluxgate technology to deliver the best [state of charge] estimations on the market for today’s advanced EV battery management systems and will play a key role in enabling electric vehicles to go further than ever,” he said.
Electrical measurement company, LEM engineers products for energy and mobility, working at the forefront of mega trends such as renewable energy, mobility, automation and digitisation. Through its innovative electrical solutions,
LEM says it is helping customers and society accelerate the transition to a sustainable future.
