Melexis introduces automotive grade 200-2000A current sensor chips with integrated overcurrent detection

     Melexis introduces a new generation of current sensor chips for automotive power conversion applications with higher resolution, a choice of 3.3V or 5V operating voltages, and integrated circuits for overcurrent detection. The MLX91219 is a traditional Hall current sensor chip that, combined with a Type C ferromagnetic core, can measure currents from 200A to more than 2000A. The MLX91218 is an IMC-Hall current sensor chip that uses a flexible U-shaped shield to resist interference and can measure currents in the 200A to 2000A range.

     Both sensor chips significantly improve the signal-to-noise ratio (SNR), nearly doubling that of previous generations. The MLX91218 and MLX91219 are AEC Class Q100 compliant with high linearity and full scale error of no more than ±0.3%, providing greater accuracy for managing high-speed applications such as motor controls, inverters and converters, as well as redundant monitoring of battery management systems (BMS). Both sensor chips minimize thermal drift, keep voltage offset to +/-5mV and sensitivity to +/-1%, ensuring accuracy over a wide temperature range.

     Both the MLX91218 and MLX91219 have integrated circuits for overcurrent detection (OCD). Since this circuit is often implemented off-chip using an external window comparator, these sensor chips further simplify system design, save board space, and reduce bill of material costs. The overcurrent threshold can be set internally during the initial configuration of the product. Subsequent products will be packaged in SOIC8 with additional pins that enable the use of external voltage dividers to improve threshold voltage setting accuracy. The MLX91218 and MLX91219 have two indicator pins that show the overcurrent state relative to internal and external thresholds, with response times of 2 and 10μs, respectively.

     Both sensor chips offer optional analog outputs, which users can choose between fixed outputs or outputs that are proportional to the power supply voltage. With a 300kHz bandwidth and fast response time, the MLX91218 and MLX91219 are suitable for circuits designed to operate at high switching speeds and base frequencies to minimize phase delay in the control loop. In addition, the subsequent MLX91218 will utilize Melexis' patented IMC (Magnetic Collecting Point) to optimize magnetic field forming for compact, lightweight shielding.