Allegro introduces the first magnetic gear tooth sensor designed specifically for traction motors

     Allegro MicroSystems, a global leader in power and sensing solutions for motion control and energy-efficient systems, announced the introduction of the industry's first gear sensor IC ATS17501, designed specifically for traction motors for electric vehicles, which provides incremental positions for motors with speeds up to 30k RPM. The device addresses engineers' most pressing traction motor design challenges, including vibration in start-up and operating modes, high speed, mechanical space constraints, high operating temperatures, and ISO 26262 safety requirements.

     As automotive original equipment manufacturers (Oems) have to comply with stringent requirements in areas such as air quality, fuel efficiency and vehicle safety standards, electric vehicles are becoming increasingly popular. The electric and hybrid vehicle market is expected to continue to grow rapidly in the coming years, and the adoption of traction motors to meet increasing requirements presents new challenges for motor control system engineers, and the ATS17501 is designed to help engineers meet these challenges.

     The ATS17501 offers the industry's fastest switch up to 40 kHz, can directly measure rotating iron gear speeds up to 30k RPM, and provides incremental coded output with speed and direction information on a dual channel interface. In a one-piece 4-pin SIP SG package, the fully integrated magnet optimizes air gap and temperature performance. This integrated package provides the highest levels of reliability and predictability required for space-constrained traction motor applications.

     "The ATS17501 uses a flexible and intelligent digital architecture that provides high resolution orthogonal velocity outputs, while the differential Hall sensing architecture also provides high resistance to the effects of a straggy-field," said Karl Scheller, Director of speed sensor design at Allegro. 

     Karl Scheller said: "Traction motors used in a variety of vehicles have great potential to help improve air quality and fuel efficiency, and to contribute to a healthier natural environment. Helping engineers solve these motor design challenges aligns perfectly with Allegro's vision of achieving greater sustainability through technological innovation."