Melexis Unveils Versatile Integrated Current Sensor Platform Up to 100 A

Melexis has introduced the MLX91224 and MLX91225, expanding its isolated current sensor portfolio for high-voltage automotive and industrial applications. These devices offer plug-and-play current measurement up to 100 A RMS, ASIL B readiness, and a fast analog response across three package options. The platform aims to simplify current-sensing design for critical applications such as EV powertrains, DC-DC converters, chargers, and solar systems.

The MLX91224 and MLX91225 integrate the current conductor, sensing element, signal conditioning, and isolation within a compact SOIC package. Current flows directly through the package's low-impedance lead frame, while two sets of Hall plates differentially sense the magnetic flux generated by the current. This architecture is designed to minimize disturbance from external magnetic fields and deliver a high-speed linear analog output proportional to the measured current.

This integrated approach addresses current-measurement requirements where accurate and isolated measurement is crucial for system control and safety. Melexis highlights that this solution overcomes challenges associated with shunt-based alternatives, which typically involve increased Ohmic losses, the need for isolated amplifiers, greater assembly complexity, and additional end-of-line calibration effort.

For automotive applications, the MLX91224 and MLX91225 represent an industry-first ASIL B integrated current sensor platform for high-voltage current measurement. Developed as ISO 26262 Safety Elements out of Context (SEooC), they provide a robust starting point for engineers designing safety-related current measurement in high-voltage automotive systems. The platform's versatility is further enhanced by DE, DG, and DH package options, which allow designers to meet varying current, isolation, and surge-current requirements.

Specifications

Key Features

• Isolated current sensors designed for high-voltage automotive and industrial applications.
• Provides plug-and-play current measurement capabilities up to 100 A RMS.
• Integrates the current conductor, sensing element, signal conditioning, and isolation within a compact SOIC package.
• Utilizes differential Hall plates to sense magnetic flux, minimizing disturbance from external magnetic fields.
• Delivers a high-speed linear analog output directly proportional to the measured current.
• Supports working voltages up to 1640 V RMS, with isolation ratings dependent on the package option.
• Offers ASIL B readiness for automotive applications, developed as ISO 26262 Safety Elements out of Context (SEooC).
• Available in DE, DG, and DH package options, supporting continuous currents up to 100 A RMS and surge currents up to ±29 kA.
• Supports both AC and DC current measurement, with flexible bipolar/unipolar sensing and ratiometric/fixed output configurations.
• Includes overcurrent detection via a dedicated pin, with configurable thresholds.
• Operates across a wide ambient temperature range of -40 °C to 150 °C.

Applications

• EV powertrains
• Motor control
• Electric drives
• DC-DC converters
• AC and DC chargers
• Solar systems
• Power supplies
• Data center power distribution units
• Demand/load control

Avaliability

The Melexis MLX91224 and MLX91225 are available as engineering samples in limited quantities. The MLX91224 (5 V) and MLX91225 (3.3 V) are offered as ASIL B isolated integrated current sensor ICs with plug-and-play measurement up to 100 A RMS across three SOIC package options.