Nov 29 2010
Melexis has introduced the new MLX91206 monolithic sensor IC that is custom programmable. The contact-less sensor features the Triaxis Hall technology, and it facilitates building economical, small current sensor solutions that can respond faster. The sensor IC monitors the flow of the current directly in an external conductor like the PCB track or bus bar.
The MLX91206 current sensor includes a CMOS-based Hall IC, featuring a thin ferromagnetic layer on its surface. This integrated ferromagnetic (IMC) layer acts as a magnetic flux concentrator to provide higher magnetic gain, thus increasing the sensor’s signal to noise ratio. The current sensor is suitable for measuring AC and DC to a maximum of 90 kHz, along with very low insertion loss, small package size, ohmic isolation, and low assembly cost needs.
The new sensor matches the needs for electronics usage in renewable power conversion, motor control, automotive applications, power supplies, and overload protection. The sensor can typically be used in solar power converters, battery current monitoring, and automotive inverters used in hybrid vehicles. The MLX91206 sensor can function as a stand-alone sensor connected to the cable directly. It senses current by changing the magnetic field produced from the current flow to voltage, in proportion to the field.
The MLX91206 current sensor is available in two versions, namely, MLX91206CAL for low magnetic field range, and MLX91206CAH for high magnetic field range.