Melexis Introduces Digital Current Sensor for High-Power EV Systems

Melexis has introduced the MLX91229, a conventional Hall-effect current sensor with a sigma-delta digital output for automotive applications. The device supports current sensing from 200A to 2000A and is intended for traction inverters and other systems where electrical noise can affect communication between the current sensor and the microcontroller.

The MLX91229 has been developed as electric vehicle powertrains continue moving towards higher voltages and faster-switching silicon carbide (SiC) and gallium nitride (GaN) devices. According to Melexis, these developments are making the electrical environment around power electronics increasingly challenging.

Digital Output

Melexis says the MLX91229 moves signal transmission from the analog domain into the digital domain.

In conventional analog implementations, the measured current is represented by small voltage changes. However, the MLX91229 transmits a sigma-delta bitstream, where the measured current is represented by the density of digital pulses rather than voltage level.

According to the company, this provides greater tolerance to disturbances that may be introduced along the signal path before the measurement reaches the receiving MCU. Melexis states that this is particularly relevant in traction inverter systems, where high currents and fast switching events generate significant electromagnetic interference.

Existing Footprint

The MLX91229 uses the same footprint as Melexis' existing analog Hall-effect current sensors. According to the company, this allows engineers to evaluate a digital-output sensor without making significant changes to an existing PCB layout.

Melexis also states that the sigma-delta output allows different demodulation strategies to be selected depending on bandwidth, noise, and response-time requirements.

Automotive Applications

The MLX91229 builds on technology already used by Melexis in industrial applications and is now available for automotive and mobility systems. The company says the introduction of a digital-output current sensor expands its automotive current sensing portfolio as vehicle power electronics continue to evolve. The MLX91229 is available now.

Request the MLX91229 datasheet.

Learn more and read the original announcement at www.melexis.com

Technology Overview

The MLX91229 is a Hall-effect automotive current sensor with a sigma-delta digital output. Designed for current measurements from 200A to 2000A, the device targets traction inverters and other high-power automotive applications where maintaining signal integrity can become more challenging.

Frequently Asked Questions

What current range does the MLX91229 support?

The device supports current measurements from 200A to 2000A.

What output does the MLX91229 use?

The MLX91229 uses a sigma-delta digital output instead of a conventional analog output.

Which applications is the MLX91229 designed for?

According to Melexis, the device is intended for traction inverters and other high-power automotive systems.