Hall chip can run without a magnetic ring

MLX91217 is for a conventional Hall set-up – it comes in a slim pin-thru package for integration into conventional Hall-effect measuring rings (see diagram) . Various lead shapes make it compatible with different mounting styles including surface-mount.

MLX91216 is the unusual one, employing Melexis’ proprietary ‘integrated magneto concentrator’ (IMC) – which “requires no external ferromagnetic concentrator ring”, said the firm – see diagram. “The SOIC8 package and U-shield allow for vertical stacking and easy mechanical assembly, lower weight and true surface mount manufacturing processes.”

Both devices are aimed at automotive applications – particularly inverter phase current monitoring and DC-link monitoring for traction motors. “The technology lends itself very well to vibration-rich environments such as those witnessed when electrification moves closer to, for example, vibrant transmission environments,” said Melexis.

Compared with Melexis’ previous generation of Hall sensors (eg MLX91208), the core chip and factory trimming have improved thermal sensitivity drift by 33% (to ±1%) and thermal offset drift by 50% (to ±5mV).

The chip also introduces more on-chip filtering and the ability to detect broken wires.

Improved signal-to-noise performance can be achieved by trading resolution against response time and sensor bandwidth through on-chip filtering.

Both devices are AEC-Q100 Grade 0 qualified for automotive use, and operate over -40°C to +150°C.

The sensors are also suited applications such as dc-dc converters and battery junction boxes.

The following factory trim variants are available:

MLX91216LDC-ACH-000 with 100mV/mT sensitivity and bipolar output around 2.5 V
MLX91216LDC-ACV-000 with 40mV/mT sensitivity and bipolar output around 2.5 V
MLX91216LDC-ACV-001 with 60mV/mT sensitivity and bipolar output around 2.5 V