Melexis releases high current sensor components for hybrid and electric vehicles and mild hybrid applications

     Melexis has added a new device to its series of programmable Hall-effect current sensors, the MLX91208, with a new high current version. The new MLX91208CAV is optimized for very high magnetic fields in applications such as hybrid and electric vehicles (HEV) and can handle primary currents of up to 1000A. The device is an effective complement to the existing MLX91208 series, which covers both low and high magnetic field functions.

     Thanks to Melexis' proprietary integrated magnetic separator (IMC) technology, the AEC-Q100 compliant MLX91208 series sensors measure current accurately, but do not require the awkward external ferromagnetic core necessary for conventional Hall-effect current sensors. The innovative IMC architecture effectively concentrates magnetic flux, which improves sensor performance. Melexis' IMC-Hall devices are packaged in a compact surface-mount standard SOIC8 package that significantly saves board space and simplifies assembly. These sensors are also highly flexible and can measure current data through adjacent bus bars, cables or PCB wiring with industry-leading accuracy and efficiency.

     The MLX91208CAV device is designed based on Hall effect technology to provide a complete, cost-effective, non-contact current detection mechanism that meets performance benchmarks. The device also provides galvanic isolation required for many high-voltage applications, while eliminating additional power loss sources commonly found in other bypass technologies.

     Bruno Boury, product line Manager for magnetic induction at Melexis, said: "The growing popularity of hybrid and electric vehicles is already having a significant impact on the automotive industry, requiring more high-performance current sensing technology. In order to meet the power requirements of fully hybrid and electric vehicles, high current detection is inevitable. It should also consider the emerging mild hybrid market, which requires low-power motors/generators and a network of lower voltages, but also high currents. The high cost of adopting inverter hardware in the past has hindered the development of hybrid and electric vehicles. The MLX91208CAV allows for smaller, higher power density inverters, which are a timely response to these trends."