Asahi Kasei CZ39 & CZ3K Sensors Adopted for Microchip Arc Fault Detection
Asahi Kasei Microdevices (AKM) has announced that its CZ39 series and CZ3K series coreless current sensors have been adopted as key components in Microchip Technology Inc.'s machine learning (ML)/AI-based arc fault detection reference design. This collaboration combines AKM's advanced current sensing technology with Microchip's dsPIC33A DSC, which features integrated DSP engines and advanced analog peripherals, to create a robust solution for detecting dangerous electrical anomalies.
Arc faults, which are abnormal discharge phenomena caused by damaged wires or poor connections, generate high heat and are a significant cause of electrical fires in various systems, including solar power, energy storage, EV charging infrastructure, and industrial/residential distribution equipment. Traditional arc fault detection methods often struggle with high rates of false positives, as everyday appliances or switching transients can produce signals similar to actual arc faults.
AKM's coreless current sensors offer a critical advantage in this context. Their 100ns fast response time and low noise performance are essential for accurately capturing the unique current signals characteristic of arc faults. By integrating these sensors with Microchip's real-time signal processing and edge machine learning capabilities, the reference design significantly reduces false detections and enhances the overall accuracy and reliability of arc fault detection, thereby improving electrical safety.
Specifications
| Product | Function | Response Time | Key Performance | Partnered Technology |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| CZ39 series, CZ3K series | Coreless Current Sensor | 100ns | Low noise performance, Accurate arc fault signal capture | Microchip dsPIC33A DSC (ML/AI-based Arc Fault Detection) |
Key Features
- Utilises coreless current sensing technology for CZ39 and CZ3K series sensors.
- Offers a fast response time of 100ns.
- Provides low noise performance for precise signal detection.
- Contributes to accurately capturing current signals specific to arc faults.
- Adopted as a key component in Microchip's machine learning/AI-based arc fault detection reference design.
- Combines AKM's current sensing with Microchip's dsPIC33A DSC for real-time signal processing and edge machine learning.
- Aims to reduce false positives and enhance arc fault detection performance compared to traditional methods.
- Enables high-precision and reliable arc fault detection.
- AKM Semiconductor, Inc. engineers collaborated closely with Microchip to develop and verify the reference design.
- Helps designers implement advanced protection features across a wide range of power applications.
Applications
- Solar power generation systems
- Energy storage systems
- EV chargers
- Smart ignition systems
- Electronic fuses (e-Fuse)
- Residential and industrial safety switches
- Potential future expansion into data center applications
Availability
The CZ39 series and CZ3K series coreless current sensors are available from Asahi Kasei Microdevices (AKM). The CZ3K series, designed for high-power applications such as OBCs and DC/DC converters, supports a measurement range of up to ±300 A. The CZ39 series is also available in AKM’s current-sensor lineup.
