Melexis Expands Magnetic-Concentrator Hall Sensor Portfolio


MLX91216 XHF high-speed current sensor IC eases assembly, boosts accuracy, and enhances stability

Melexis, a global microelectronics engineering company, has introduced the MLX91216 XHF extra high-field current sensor, extending the ease and accuracy of its unique IMC-Hall technology into high-current measurement for emerging automotive applications. Capable of measuring current to beyond 2000 A, the MLX91216 XHF is suited to redundant monitoring of battery-management systems (BMS), over-current detection in smart fuses, and measuring phase currents in traction inverters and boost/recuperation inverters.

The SOIC8 surface-mount device contains Melexis’ patented Integrated Magnetic Concentrator (IMC) that enables accurate contact-free measurement of busbar current in combination with a simple U-shape magnetic shield. When mounted on a PCB, the sensor is positioned over the busbar, within the shield, allowing easier assembly than conventional Hall sensors. What differentiates the IMC-Hall technology from coreless solutions is that position is much less critical. The design can accept more mechanical movement because the measurement is not dependent on a magnetic field gradient. Other technologies can result in severe bus bar machining causing important thermal hot spots. On the other hand, IMC-Hall technology carries the advantages of coreless technologies, so it lends itself to smaller assemblies with surface mount package solutions. This avoids the use of more complex through-hole packages that often require specific lead bending/forming native to core based solutions.

The MLX91216 XHF extends the family of Melexis IMC-Hall sensors that provide accurate, high-speed current measurement for a wide range of automotive and industrial applications.