Inductive position sensor can be customised for motor commutation
A magnet-free, contactless sensor, the latest addition to the induction sensing range from Renesas Electronics can help designers tailor an automotive design for an application.
The magnet-free IPS2550 inductive position sensor has total stray field immunity. The reduced weight and form factor IPS2550 can be used as an absolute position sensor for high speed motor commutation in passenger cars, heavy duty commercial and off road vehicles as well as motorbikes, advises Renesas.
The sensor can be combined with Renesas microcontrollers, gate drivers and motor drivers for motor commutation for traction motors, electronic power steering, starter generators, and other motor applications, says the company.
Christian Wolf, vice president, Automotive Sensor business division at Renesas, explained. “The IPS2550 provides a slimmer and lighter contact-less sensor . . . combined with the flexibility and ease of customisation that enable businesses to manufacture their own resolver or magnetic sensor replacement cost effectively”.
The magnet-free IPS2550 is based on Renesas’ inductive position sensing technology. It delivers speeds up to 600krpm (electrical) and is designed around the motor, accommodating both off-axis (through shaft and side shaft) and on-axis positioning. Customers can match the number of sectors to pole pairs of the motor and cost-effectively boost accuracy compared with alternative sensing technologies, claims Renesas. The sensor also has total stray field immunity and is thin and lightweight for easier motor integration. It also offers the standard materials required for customers to manufacture their own resolver replacement which can reduce the bill of materials costs. The IPS2550 has been developed according to ISO26262 to support, as a single IC, the most challenging functional safety critical applications, capable of supporting up to ASIL-C(D) system-level requirements.
The sensor is AEC-Q100-qualified with stable operation in harsh environments and a wide ambient temperature range of -40 to +160 degrees C.
Renesas also offers off-the-shelf tools, designed to be suitable for novice and experienced sensor and motor commutation developers alike, to create tailored and customised sensing elements.
The IPS2550 is available now. The IPS2500STKIT evaluation kit is also available.
