TDK Introduces Flexible Multi-Hall-Array Sensor for High-Precision Current Sensing

TDK Corporation expands its Micronas Hall-effect sensor portfolio with the CUR 4000 sensor. The sensor, developed for highly accurate current measurements in automotive and industrial applications, offers non-intrusive, galvanic isolated contactless current sensing. These features will contribute to the future of high-voltage systems of hybrid and electric vehicles (xEV). The product is suited for DC and AC measurements and overcurrent detection in high-power battery monitoring applications and can measure dynamic current ranges up to ≥2000 A.* For these kinds of measurement tasks, CUR 4000 comes with different configurable modes for linear core-based and differential coreless application setups.

The sensor's production is planned for the second quarter of 2021, with samples already available.

Image courtesy  of TDK

In the linear modes of CUR 4000, a configurable array of Hall elements enables highly accurate measurements for core-based stray-field robust sensor-module designs. The differential mode enables minimal coreless and stray-field robust system designs without shields. Read-out of the complete Hall array provides an output-offset temperature-drift below ±0.05 percent full scale. Furthermore, the sensor delivers a hysteresis-free output signal. A non-linearity error of ±0.2 percent and a noise performance of ±0.005 percent full scale allows precise current measurements with a signal bandwidth of up to 8 kHz.

TDK used proven Hall sensor technology to structure the CUR 4000. Primary characteristics, like temperature-dependent gain and offset can be adjusted to the magnetic circuitry by programming the non-volatile memory. CUR 4000 is defined as SEooC ASIL-B ready, according to ISO 26262 with several on-board diagnostic functions, which builds a basis for current sensor modules with a higher ASIL level using redundancy techniques or a combination with other current sensing technologies.

CUR 4000 is available in a small eight-pin SOIC8 SMD package for less complex assembly compared to through-hole packages.

About TDK 

TDK Corporation is a leading electronics company based in Tokyo, Japan. It was established in 1935 to commercialize ferrite, a key material in electronic and magnetic products. TDK's comprehensive portfolio features passive components such as ceramic, aluminium electrolytic and film capacitors, as well as magnetics, high-frequency, and piezo and protection devices. The product spectrum also includes sensors and sensor systems such as temperature and pressure, magnetic, and MEMS sensors. In addition, TDK provides power supplies and energy devices, magnetic heads and more. These products are marketed under the product brands TDK, EPCOS, InvenSense, Micronas, Tronics and TDK-Lambda. TDK focuses on demanding markets in the areas of information and communication technology and automotive, industrial and consumer electronics. The company has a network of design and manufacturing locations and sales offices in Asia, Europe, and in North and South America. In fiscal 2019, TDK posted total sales of USD 12.5 billion and employed about 105,000 people worldwide.