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Allegro MicroSystems releases high-bandwidth current sensors (datasheet here)

February 14, 2024

Allegro MicroSystems, Inc. has announced the launch of its new high-bandwidth current sensors, the ACS37030 and the ACS37032, designed to enhance power conversion performance with GaN and SiC technologies in electric vehicles.

High-power-density GaN and SiC FET charging and power infrastructures require high-speed, low-loss devices for efficiency and reliability. However, existing current-sensing solutions have limited operating ranges and add size and weight, leading to designs with additional components and larger bills of materials.

To address these issues, Allegro’s high-bandwidth sensors are designed to provide efficiency and high performance while reducing design time and board space. They utilize a dual signal paths approach, with one path capturing low-frequency and DC current using Hall-effect elements and the other path capturing high-frequency current data through an inductive coil.

The ACS37030 and ACS37032 are fully integrated current sensor ICs that sense current flowing through the primary conductor. There are two signal paths utilized, a Hall-effect element path to capture DC and low-frequency current information, and an inductive coil path to capture high-frequency current information. These two paths are combined to allow for the sensing of a wide frequency band with a single device.

The properties of the coil increase signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) as frequency increases, minimizing noise seen at the output. The internal construction provides high isolation by magnetically coupling the field generated by current flow in the conductor to the fully monolithic Hall and coil IC. The current is sensed differentially by two Hall plates and two coils that subtract out interfering common-mode magnetic fields. The ACS37030 features a zero current reference and the ACS37032 features an overcurrent fault with internal pull up.

The ACS37030 and the ACS37032 are offered in the LZ fused-lead SOIC-6 package, providing 420 VRMS reinforced isolation in a compact and more cost-effective package compared to the SOICW-16 package. These sensors feature a voltage reference output pin for use in noisy supply environments. The SOIC-6 package has lower conductor resistance versus standard SOIC-8 packages and supports higher isolation up to 840VRMS basic isolation or 420VRMS reinforced isolation.

Allegro MicroSystems mentioned that the compact design, efficiency improvements, and cost reductions of Allegro’s latest current sensors offer efficient and rapid management of high-switching frequencies and thermal conditions for high voltages and currents, the ability to achieve stable and safe control while reducing electromagnetic interference, a reduced design footprint for system reliability and protection, and balance cost considerations while minimizing design complexity.