AC current sensor IC with differential output and galvanic isolation
01/09/2014 Allegro Microsystems Europe Ltd
The new ACS726 from Allegro MicroSystems Europe is a current sensor IC designed to provide an economical and precise solution for AC current sensing in industrial, commercial and communications applications.In addition to featuring galvanic isolation, it is the first current sensor IC to include a fully differential back-end amplifier that can be used to adjust gain and bandwidth via external RC networks. The back-end amplifier is fully independent and, when unused, can be powered down to reduce power consumption. The fully differential output of this device gives better immunity to output offset drift as well as common-mode noise.
The low-profile device package makes it easy to incorporate into customers' applications. Typical uses for the ACS726 include motor control, load detection and management, switched-mode power supplies, and overcurrent fault protection.
The device consists of a precise, low-offset, linear Hall sensor circuit with a copper conduction path located near the surface of the die. Applied current flowing through this copper conduction path generates a magnetic field which is sensed by the integrated Hall IC and converted into a proportional voltage.
Device accuracy is optimised through the close proximity of the magnetic field to the Hall transducer. A precise, proportional voltage is provided by the low-offset, chopper-stabilised BiCMOS Hall IC, which is programmed for accuracy after packaging.
The output of the device has a positive differential voltage when an increasing current flows through the primary copper conduction path, which is the path used for current sensing. The internal resistance of this conductive path is 1.1 mΩ typical, providing low power loss. The terminals of the conductive path are electrically isolated from the sensor IC signal leads, allowing the ACS726 current sensor IC to be used in high-side current sense applications without the use of high-side differential amplifiers or other costly isolation techniques.
The ACS726 is provided in a small, low-profile surface mount QSOP24 package (suffix LF). The leadframe is plated with 100% matt tin, which is compatible with standard lead (Pb) free printed circuit board assembly processes. Internally, the device is Pb-free, except for flip-chip high-temperature Pb-based solder balls, currently exempt from RoHS. The device, excluding the back-end amplifier, is fully calibrated prior to shipment from the factory.
Please click here to download a copy of the data sheet.
For more information, please contact:
Allegro MicroSystems Europe Ltd
Melita House
124 Bridge Road
Chertsey
Surrey
KT16 8LH
Tel: +33 4 50512359
Fax: +33 4 505 12083
Email: allegroeurope@allegromicro.com
Web: www.allegromicro.com
Print this articleShare article:
Process and Control Today are not responsible for the content of submitted or externally produced articles and images. Click here to email us about any errors or omissions contained within this article.