High Accuracy, 40 KHz Hall-effect Current Sensor IC for Starter Generators and Traction Inverter Control

Published  November 6, 2020   0
MLX91211 Hall-Effect Current-Sensing IC

The new MLX91211 Hall-effect current-sensing IC from Melexis comes in two variants to provide a choice of feature and performance in cost-sensitive applications. The non-intrusive sensors combine with the ferromagnetic core to generate an analog output proportional to the current flowing in the cable or bus bar. The output signal has a 40kHz bandwidth, and the sensor features a step response time below 10µs.

The MLX91211 can be used in a wide range of applications like 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 proven hybrid and electric-drive architectures make the device an affordable solution for e-mobility and traction devices like the two-wheel and three-wheel e-bikes, e-scooters, and low-speed electric vehicles as well as 12V/48V starter generator applications on entry-level passenger cars. By using the MLX91211 sensor ICs, designers can create cost-effective modules with high accuracy and reliability.

The lowest-priced variant, the MLX91211LUA-ABA, has been designed for addressing applications that have lower bandwidth and require a lower accuracy. The MLX91211LUA-ABT is factory calibrated at three temperature points for increased accuracy for motor control in more demanding use cases.

Both the devices are qualified to AEC-Q100 Grade 0 and operate at temperatures from -40 °C to 150 °C for use in all automotive environments, including under the hood. The MLX91211 series is in full production now and is available in both TO92-3L (UA) through-hole and TSOT23-3L (SE) surface-mount packages.