Melexis Integrated current sensor is UL/IEC 62368-1 certified and incorporates RI for enhanced isolation

     Melexis announced that the MLX91220 (5V) and MLX91221 (3V) current sensor chips have received a new safety certification (UL/IEC 62368-1). The new sensor chip is now available for systems with higher voltage isolation requirements for SOIC8 and SOIC16 packages. The SOIC8 package provides 715V basic isolation and 307V enhanced isolation, while the SOIC16 package provides up to 1415V basic isolation and 707V enhanced isolation. This upgrade not only expands the range of applications, but also reduces the number of components in the bill of Materials. Applications that require enhanced isolation include on-board chargers (OBCs) and HVAC/compressors.

     To ensure the safe operation of high-voltage Class 3 energy sources, such as 800V EV battery packs and chargers, and to meet the necessary isolation standards, dual isolation barriers must be implemented to reduce the risk. Previously, the MLX91220 and MLX91221 were only certified as basic (i.e., single) isolation devices, and engineers needed to incorporate additional components, such as isolation amplifiers, into their designs.

     Now, with the new UL/IEC 62368-1 certification of Hall effect sensor chips, engineers can use these chips with confidence because of their enhanced isolation, which effectively protects end users from high voltage risks without additional isolation barriers. The new voltage level is (for pollution level 2)

     Now, when engineers use the MLX91220 or MLX91221, they can remove unnecessary additional isolation elements. In addition, for systems that currently have a single isolation design, it offers the possibility of recertification as a dual isolation system without changing the bill of materials.

     This "upgrade," which comes only in the form of further technical certification, not only increases the value of popular Hall-effect sensor chips, but also greatly simplifies the design process and reduces associated engineering effort and costs. While maintaining its highly accurate, flexible and plug and play characteristics, the solution also provides enhanced security measures for a variety of applications such as automotive on-board chargers (OBCs), DC/DC converters, high-voltage chargers, renewable energy inverters, white goods and robotics.

     "With the new MLX91220 and MLX91221 certifications, we offer engineers an easy way to achieve enhanced isolation," "We have effectively upgraded 50 product variants at no additional cost to our customers, enabling them to meet critical safety requirements with just one component, reducing production costs and packaging restrictions," said Bruno Boury, product Line director at Melayx.

     The MLX91220 and MLX91221 have established a solid market position in automotive and industrial applications due to their superior reliability. This additional safety certification further strengthens its market leading position. Both current sensor chips are available in the cost-effective and miniaturized SOIC8 narrow-body package with 4mm creepage distance, and the larger SOIC16 wide-body package with 8mm creepage distance. They have a bandwidth of 300 kHz, a short response time of 2 microseconds, and support a current range of 0 to 50A RMS, providing accurate and efficient current detection solutions for a wide range of applications.