Allegro introduces monolithic Hall-effect current sensors compliant with the automotive AEC-Q100 standard

     Allegro MicroSystems, a global leader in power and sensing solutions for motion control and energy efficient systems, announced that it is now able to offer a new automotive AEC-Q100 compliant monolithic Hall-effect current sensor IC series, the ACS71240, which offers the advantages of small size and high energy efficiency. Ideal for applications such as electric vehicle chargers, DC/DC converters, industrial motors and the Internet of Things.

     The ACS71240 series features extremely fast, dedicated overcurrent fault output protection with a typical response time of 1.5µs for increased system security. The fault output provides an easy way to detect short circuit events that prevent damage to MOSFETs or IGBTs in inverters, motors, and other switching power applications.

     Shaun Milano, Director of Allegro's Current Sensor product line, explains: "Allegro was the first in the industry to introduce Hall element-based flipchip integrated current sensors that enable simple surface mount, high signal-to-noise ratio and low power consumption while occupying a very small PCB area. "The new product family is a further improvement on the original technological innovation to provide customers with even greater safety, reliability and efficiency."

     The ACS71240 is available in two small-size package options, each offering different levels of electrical isolation. The compact 3mm x 3mm tin-able side QFN package can be used for voltage rails up to 120VDC and enables solder spot inspection required for zero-ppm automotive applications. The standard size SOIC8 package is UL certified with electrical isolation of 2400VRMS and operating voltage of 420VDC or 297VRMS.

     The ACS71240 series is designed to replace shard resistors, operational amplifiers, current transformers and voltage isolators in applications that require small, monolithic sensor solutions. These fully integrated solutions reduce the overall cost of current detection and reduce PCB area by eliminating the need for discrete components. The ACS71240 series sensors can be supplied with a 5V or 3.3V power supply.