Multi-frequency Hall sensor advances inverter efficiency

ABLIC launched the S-5611A linear Hall effect IC for general-use devices.

The adoption of natural energy such as solar power generation and wind power generation has continued to grow from a perspective of utilization of renewable energy, and there is also an increased focus on improving the efficiency of these types of energy in order to further lessen their environmental impact. Current sensor-equipped general-purpose inverters (*1) are widely used in solar power generation and other systems that utilize these natural energies, as well as in industrial machine tools and other systems. Increasing the response speed and accuracy of the equipped current sensors is an important element in the improvement of the efficiency of general-purpose inverters.

The S-5611A launched today is a programmable, high-accuracy linear Hall effect IC that achieves the industry’s fastest class high-speed response of 1.25μs(*2) as well as the industry’s top class of low noise performance of 0.09μT/√Hz(*3) allowing for accurate measurement of even minute current fluctuations allowing it to contribute to improving inverter control performance.

The product is also equipped with a frequency band selection function(*4) which makes it possible to select 400kHz, 200kHz, or 100kHz with just this single IC. The noise generated by the IC can be reduced even further by selecting a lower frequency.

It also features a function(*5) which compensates for magnetic core characteristic changes caused by temperature, allowing for high core current sensor (*6) accuracy in a wide range of temperatures.

These characteristics contribute to reduced power consumption and lower CO2 emissions and make this an ideal IC for building current sensors to be equipped with environmentally friendly, highly energy efficient, high-accuracy inverters and DC-DC converters.

Major Features include: Industry’s fastest class high-speed response (*2); Industry’s smallest class low noise performance (*3); Greater noise reduction thanks to a frequency band selection function (*4); High-accuracy in a wide range of temperatures thanks to a magnetic core temperature drift compensation function (*5).

Reducing the detection delay time of the core current sensor is an effective means to further improve the energy conversion efficiency of general-purpose inverters. The S-5611A significantly contributes to improvement of energy conversion efficiency with the industry’s faster class high speed response of 1.25μs.

Core current sensor accuracy is determined by output offset voltage and magnetic sensitivity setting accuracy, however under actual usage conditions output noise performance is also an important parameter which has an impact on current sensor accuracy. The S-5611A features the industry’s smallest class low noise performance of 0.09μT/√Hz typ. which contributes to improved controllability and greater accuracy for inverters and other devices.

There is a trade-off relationship between detection delay time and output noise performance in core current sensors. This performance is related to the linear Hall effect IC frequency band specifications, and therefore the output noise can be reduced by lowering the frequency band. The S-5611A can be programmed to use a frequency band of 400kHz, 200kHz, or 100kHz to suit usage applications.

In core current sensors, high-accuracy detection can be achieved independent of temperature by compensating for magnetic core characteristic changes caused by temperature. The S-5611A has a built-in function (*5) for compensating for changes in magnetic core characteristics. Compensation can be carried out by using a microcontroller to process calculation of current sensor output, however this function allows for easier achievement of high current sensor accuracy in a wide range of temperatures.