18.7.2016.

Hall­effect current sensing replaces shunt­resistive measurements | Electronics EETimes

Hall-effect current sensing replaces shunt-resistive measurements

July 17, 2016 // By Graham Prophet

These high speed isolated calibrated current sensors are presented as an effective alternative to
conventional shunt based solutions; standard-footprint packaged ICs simultaneously offer 100 kHz
bandwidth, high accuracy and crosstalk resilience

Melexis (Tessenderlo, Belgium) has added the MLX91210 family of integrated sensors; operating from a 5V
supply, the ICs have current sensitivity levels down to 26.7 mV/A and support linear current measurement
ranges that span as far as ±75A corresponding to 30 ARMS current. Available in SO8 and SO16 package
formats, these fully integrated Hall-effect current sensors have extremely low resistive curent-path losses (0.8
mΩ for the SO8 and 0.7 mΩ for the SO16) and provide high voltage isolation ratings (2.1 kVRMS and 2.5
kVRMS respectively), as well as accelerated responsiveness (within 5 µsec). The sensor output of each IC is
factory-calibrated for a speci䴀Ȁc current range and compensated for optimal stability in relation to temperature
and over the course of its working lifespan, so that long term accuracy is maintained.
With provision to be factory calibrated for zero-current output point and sensitivity, these devices produce a
linear analogue output that is proportional to the current ᔄowing directly through the IC’s leadframe. Inside the
IC package, the magnetic 䴀Ȁeld generated by the current ᔄow is sensed differentially by two sets of Hall plates.
This con䴀Ȁguration combats the effect of external 䴀Ȁelds and crosstalk. The close proximity of the Hall plates
with the current conductor results in superior signal integrity, but at the same time a strong insulation layer
separates the primary and secondary sides. The devices exhibit strong robustness against external 䴀Ȁelds. A
key differentiator is the virtually non-existent magnetic hysteresis, which results from the design not requiring
a ferromagnetic concentrator. Temperature range is -40°C to 125°C and the sensors comply with IEC-60950
(SO16 packaged devices adhere to UL1577).

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