Feature

Melexis has the solution for EV battery-current sensing

Melexis announces the MLX91230 and the MLX91231, offering access to shunt or Hall-type current sensor technologies.

17/11/2022 17:28:52

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These ASIL-compliant devices can measure voltage, current and temperature. Customers will be provided with flexibility and design reusability in their electric vehicle (EV) power systems.

The MLX91230, which is a conventional Hall sensor, is complemented by the MLX91231 shunt interface current sensor IC. These devices target high-voltage (HV) battery functions.

Such functions include current monitoring
in battery management systems (BMS), battery disconnect units (BDUs), also known as battery junction boxes (BJBs), and power relay assemblies (PRAs).

The MLX91230 exhibits below one percent sensitivity drift and 100mA offset over temperature and operational lifespan. The MLX91231 has a sub-0.5 percent sensitivity drift with a 50mA offset.

By having one product family offering both shunt
and Hall-based current sensing, Tier 1s can decide which combination is the best fit for each vehicle OEM. They can easily switch from one configuration to the other if requirements change.
OEMs can integrate different combinations into their vehicle models. This reusability has the benefit of minimising the engineering effort.

Designed according to the ISO 26262
functional safety standard, both current sensor devices offer full support for ASIL integration. The MLX91230 is naturally isolated, while the MLX91231 needs external isolation.

Each sensor has an integrated temperature sensor as well as a dedicated safety-rated overcurrent detection pin. They are housed in compact 8-pin SOIC packages.

“The new MLX91230/MLX91231 current sensor family is meeting our
customers’ demands for a versatile modular BMS development strategy. It allows them to achieve much more with fewer engineering resources,” states Bruno Boury, Product Line Manager at Melexis."

Testing samples (B-sample) and evaluation kits are already available on demand. The MLX91230 Hall-based current sensor will be released in Q2 2023, with the MLX91231 shunt device following soon after.

Follow the evolution of the MLX91230 and MLX91231 here.

Written By Sophia Bell

Sophia Bell is the Group Editor of DPA, Connectivity, and PBSI. She joined the team in 2020 as Assistant Editor after achieving a First-Class Honours BA in English Literature and Film Studies from the University of East Anglia. In her current role, she leads the editorial strategy, driving digital growth and ensuring each title continues to deliver trusted, relevant insight for engineering and manufacturing professionals.