Current sensors are optimised for affordable e-mobility
The MLX91211 Hall-effect current sensing IC is available from Melexis in two variants.
They can be used for a variety of e-mobility designs, from belt-driven starter generators to traction inverters for low-speed electric vehicles and e-scooters, as well as industrial applications such as electrified forklift trucks and pallet trucks.
The non-intrusive sensors can be combined with a ferromagnetic core to generate an analogue output proportional to the current flowing in the cable or bus bar. The output signal has a 40kHz bandwidth. The sensor features a step response time below 10 micro seconds.
The MLX91211LUA-ABT is factory-calibrated at three temperature points which is claimed to enable increased accuracy for motor control. The lowest-priced variant, the MLX91211LUA-ABA, addresses applications that have lower bandwidth and lower accuracy requirements.
The proven hybrid and electric-drive architectures are being adopted in affordable e-mobility traction vehicles such as two-wheel and three-wheel e-bikes, e-scooters and low-speed electric vehicles, and 12V/48V starter generator applications on entry-level passenger cars, explained Bruno Boury, product line manager, for current sensors, at Melexis. “Our MLX91211 sensor ICs now let designers create competitively priced modules by combining the high accuracy (sensitivity thermal drift better than 1.5 per cent) needed for a great driving experience with features tailored for economy and reliability,” he said. “Ferromagnetic concentrator technology remains the most reliable and proven contactless current sensing technology, he added.
The MLX91211LUA-ABT and MLX91211LUA-ABA are qualified to AEC-Q100 Grade 0, covering ambient temperatures from -40 to +150 degrees C. They are suitable for use in all automotive environments, including under the bonnet.
The MLX91211 series is in full production now and available in both TO92-3L (UA) through-hole and TSOT23-3L (SE) surface-mount packages.
Melexis designs, develops and delivers micro-electronic products. The company’s advanced mixed-signal semiconductor sensor and actuator components are used in integrated sensing, driving and communication for products and systems that improve safety, raise efficiency, support sustainability and enhance comfort.
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. Its portfolio includes magnetic sensors, MEMS sensors (pressure, tyre press, infra red), sensor interface ICs, optoelectronic single point and linear array sensors and time of flight (ToF) sensors.
The company’s driver IC portfolio incorporates advanced DC and BLDC motor controllers, LED drivers and FET pre-driver ICs, with the 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.
