Infineon introduces the XENSIV TLE4972, a high-precision core-free current sensor for automotive applications

     Infineon Technologies has launched the new XENSIV TLE4972, its first automotive current sensor. The core-free current sensor uses Infineon's proven Hall technology for accurate and stable current measurements. With its compact design and diagnostic mode, the TLE4972 is ideal for xEV applications such as traction inverters in hybrid and battery-powered vehicles, as well as battery master switches.

     Based on its unique temperature and stress compensation characteristics, the TLE4972 provides state-of-the-art sensing technology and protection from the negative effects caused by magnetic cores. Due to its differential sensing structure, there is no need for a magnetic core or shield to protect the sensor from stray fields. The integrated EEPROM allows sensors to be customized for different applications, supporting measurement ranges up to 2 kA.

     To protect the system, the sensor has two independent output pins for overcurrent detection, with a typical response time of less than 1µs. The customer can program the sensitivity and overcurrent limits to adapt the sensor to system requirements. In addition, the sensitivity plus offset for the temperature drift was less than 1.6%.

     Due to the principle of magnetic induction, the power loss caused by the sensor is very low. Therefore, it can be used as a multifunctional redundancy solution for 400V or 800V battery main switches. The compact design is implemented in the small PG-VSON-6 package, making the device ideal for traction inverters, and the PG-TDSO-16 package is also available. Both packages were developed as a separate Safety Element out of Context according to ISO 26262 to meet ASIL B safety requirements.