Allegro MicroSystems Announces Industry’s First ASIL C Safety Rated Field Current Sensor for Electric Vehicle Powertrain Systems

Rhea-AI Summary

Allegro MicroSystems has announced the availability of samples for the ACS37601 sensor, designed for electric vehicles, offering advanced safety and accuracy features. This ASIL C-rated sensor achieves high precision with low noise and fast response times, meeting new automotive safety requirements for battery management systems.

The ACS37601 provides measurement capabilities exceeding 200 Amperes and is designed for efficient power management in EVs, with customer collaboration highlighted by Littelfuse. Samples are available in a thin package suitable for surface-mount assembly.

Positive

• ACS37601 offers best-in-class accuracy for electric vehicle applications.
• Sensor features ASIL C safety rating supporting new automotive safety standards.
• High accuracy (0.8% sensitivity error) and low noise (30% less than legacy devices).
• Fast response time of 2 μs and broad bandwidth up to 240 kHz.
• Collaboration with Littelfuse strengthens market positioning in EV sector.

Negative

• None.

Samples Are Available Now to Support Designers in Achieving New Safety and Efficiency Standards

Manchester, NH, USA, March 08, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Allegro MicroSystems, a global leader in power and sensing solutions for motion control and energy-efficient systems, today announces the release of samples for the ACS37601, an ASIL C safety-rated, high-precision, field current sensor with best-in-class accuracy for traction and auxiliary inverter systems as well as battery management systems (BMS) in electric vehicles (EVs).  

Designers of inverter and battery management systems are challenged to achieve higher safety targets based on new Automotive Safety Integrity Level (ASIL) requirements.

 To enable customers to meet these new safety requirements, while increasing system efficiency and extending battery life, Allegro has developed the ACS37601 programmable linear Hall-effect current sensor IC with overcurrent, overtemperature, and self-test capabilities. Designed to achieve high accuracy and resolution without compromising bandwidth, the ACS37601 is Allegro’s highest-accuracy field current sensor for applications requiring measurement capability greater than 200 Amperes.

“Allegro’s ACS37601 is enabling us to meet e-mobility functional safety and accuracy requirements in our BMS and EV traction inverter current sensor applications,” says Julio Urrea, Vice President of Business Development at Littelfuse, a diversified industrial technology company empowering a sustainable, connected, and safer world in the electronics, transportation, and industrial markets.

 To be used along with a C-core, the ACS37601 is the first ASIL C-rated field current sensor that achieves 0.8% sensitivity error and less than 5 mV offset error over the automotive temperature range, and—with 30% less noise than legacy devices—this IC is ideal for battery management applications. The high operating bandwidth from DC to 240 kHz and fast 2 μs response time enable new performance in DC battery charging and high-frequency automotive inverter applications. To support adoption of the most advanced microprocessors without requiring additional components, the ACS37601 works with 5 V or 3.3 V power supplies.

“Littelfuse has a history of excellence as an automotive supplier with a tremendous global footprint. We are excited to work with them to deliver industry-leading magnetic current sensor accuracy and safety to EV powertrain applications,” says Shaun Milano, Business Unit Director for Current Sensors at Allegro.

To help designers deliver the most-advanced ASIL-compliant battery management and inverter systems, samples of the ACS37601 are currently offered in an extremely thin (1 mm-thick), 4-pin single in-line package (SIP), referred to as the KT package. The KT package is available in straight leads (suffix TN) as well as a lead-formed option (suffix TH), enabling surface-mount assembly and a high tolerance to mechanical vibrations. The package is lead (Pb) free, with 100% matte tin leadframe plating. For datasheets and samples, contact an Allegro sales office.

About Allegro MicroSystems
Allegro MicroSystems is redefining the future of power and sensing technologies. From green energy to advanced mobility and motion control systems, our team is passionate about developing intelligent solutions that move the world forward and give our customers a competitive edge. With global engineering, manufacturing, and support, Allegro is a trusted partner to both large enterprises and regional market leaders worldwide. Visit www.allegromicro.com.

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• ACS37601

FAQ

What is the ACS37601 sensor from Allegro MicroSystems?

The ACS37601 is a high-precision, ASIL C safety-rated field current sensor designed for traction and auxiliary inverter systems, as well as battery management systems in electric vehicles.

When was the ACS37601 sensor sample announced?

The samples for the ACS37601 sensor were announced on March 8, 2023.

How does the ACS37601 improve electric vehicle systems?

The ACS37601 enhances electric vehicle systems by providing high accuracy, lower noise, and faster response times, enabling compliance with new safety standards and improving system efficiency.

What are the key features of the ACS37601 current sensor?

Key features include ASIL C rating, 0.8% sensitivity error, less than 5 mV offset error, and an operating bandwidth from DC to 240 kHz.

Who is collaborating with Allegro MicroSystems on the ACS37601?

Littelfuse is collaborating with Allegro MicroSystems to utilize the ACS37601 in battery management and electric vehicle traction inverter applications.