Tessenderlo, Belgium, 2 July 2024 – Melexis announces new safety qualification (UL/IEC 62368-1) for the MLX91220 (5V) and MLX91221 (3V) current sensors. They can now be used in systems with higher voltage isolation requirements for both SOIC8 (715V BI, 307V RI) and SOIC16 (1415V BI, 707V RI) packages. This upgrade expands the application range and reduces the Bill of Material (BoM) component count. Applications requiring reinforced isolation include OBC and HVAC/compressor.
To guarantee the safety and isolation of high voltage class 3 energy sources, such as 800V EV battery packs and chargers, two isolation barriers must be implemented to reduce it to a low risk. Until now, the MLX91220 and MLX91221 had only been qualified as a basic (i.e. single) isolation device, mandating the need for an engineer to incorporate extra elements like an isolation amplifier into their design.
With the new UL/IEC 62368-1 certification (material group I), engineers can now use Melexis Hall-effect sensors, knowing its reinforced isolation is enough to safeguard the end user from high voltage risk without needing additional isolation barriers. The new voltage ratings are (for a pollution degree 2):
- for the SOIC16 package: 1415 V for basic isolation (BI) and 707 V for reinforced isolation (RI)
- for the SOIC8 package, 715 V for basic isolation (BI) and 307 V for reinforced isolation (RI)
Engineers currently using the MLX91220 or MLX91221 with an extra isolation barrier, can now eliminate the unnecessary isolation components. Additionally, for designs that currently have only basic isolation, it provides the possibility of re-qualifying as a reinforced isolated system without any change in the BoM.
The introduction of this ‘upgrade’, solely in the form of further technical qualification, improves the value of the already well-received Hall-effect sensors, streamlining designs and reducing the associated engineering efforts and costs. This solution not only maintains its highly accurate, flexible, and plug & play nature but also provides reinforced safety measures to diverse applications such as automotive on-board chargers (OBC), DC/DC converters, high voltage chargers, renewable energy inverters, white goods, and robotics.
“With the new MLX91220 and MLX91221 qualification, we are providing engineers with the simplest route to reinforced isolation,” said Bruno Boury, Product Line Director at Melexis. “We have effectively upgraded 50 product variants at no cost to the customer, helping them achieve critical safety requirements with just a single component – easing production costs and packaging constraints.”
With its well-established reliability in automotive and industrial applications, the MLX91220 and MLX91221 further solidify its market offering through this additional safety qualification. The current sensors come in cost-effective and miniaturized SOIC8 narrow bodies with 4 mm creepage and larger SOIC16 wide-body packages with an 8 mm creepage. Both devices have a bandwidth of 300 kHz, a short response time of 2 us, and are available with a current range between 0-50 A RMS.
The MLX91220 and MLX91221 are available now. To discover more, visit www.melexis.com/MLX91220 or www.melexis.com/MLX91221.
About Melexis
Melexis designs, develops, and delivers edge sensor and driver solutions with a heart for people and the planet. Its mission is to empower engineers to turn their ideas into applications that support the best imaginable future, one that is safe, comfortable, and sustainable.
Melexis specializes in powertrain, thermal management, lighting, e-brake, e-steering, and battery solutions for the automotive sector. It also expands its presence in the emerging markets of a sustainable world, alternative mobility, robotics, and digital health.
Founded in 1989 in Belgium, Melexis has grown to employ over 2,000 people in 12 countries, delivering cutting-edge technology to customers worldwide.
For more information, visit www.melexis.com or follow Melexis on LinkedIn, and YouTube.
