Industry's highest accuracy magnetic current sensor

Allegro MicroSystems, Inc. has introduced the ACS37017, a new Hall-effect current sensor that sets the industry benchmark for accuracy. With the launch of the ACS37017, the company completes a strategic expansion of its high-performance portfolio that now includes definitive, market-leading solutions for the three critical challenges in modern power electronics: Speed (ACS37100), power density (ACS37200), and accuracy (ACS37017).

As power converters in AI data centres, xEVs, and clean energy systems push for higher efficiency, one size doesn't fit all. Designers seek specialised solutions tailored to their specific performance objectives. The factory-calibrated sensor answers the call for accuracy, integrating high-voltage isolation with an advanced sensing architecture to achieve an industry-leading 0.55% typical sensitivity error over lifetime and temperature. This level of accuracy delivers the high-fidelity feedback required to stabilise high-voltage power conversion systems.

The device serves as the standard-bearer for accuracy in the company's newly expanded lineup and joins two recently launched market-leading current sensors that offer a solution for key design priorities:

• Speed: The ACS37100, powered by XtremeSense TMR technology, delivers industry-leading 10MHz bandwidth. Recently named an EDN Product of the Year, the sensor protects fast-switching GaN and SiC platforms where nanoseconds matter.
• Power density: The ACS37200 leads the market in density, featuring a 50µΩ conductor that slashes power loss by up to 90% and shrinks footprint by up to 95% for space-constrained applications compared to competing solutions.
• Accuracy: The new ACS37017 completes the toolkit. With 0.55% typical accuracy, it offers the ultra-low drift and precise signal conditioning required for the most demanding control loops in high-voltage power conversion.

"Our philosophy is simple: we want to give engineers the right tool for the job," said Matt Hein, business line director of Current Sensors at Allegro MicroSystems. "We don't force a compromise. If you need to catch a fault in 50 nanoseconds, we have the award-winning ACS37100 XtremeSense TMR current sensor. If you need to sense high power in a tiny footprint, we have the high-density ACS37200. And now, with the ACS37017, if your priority is absolute accuracy, we have the definitive solution. Across the board, we are delivering 'Sensing Leadership' in every metric that matters."

Conventional sensors often suffer from "drift," a degradation of accuracy as temperatures change or the component ages. The new device offers highly stable performance thanks to Allegro's proprietary compensation architecture. This technology actively maintains precise measurements, ensuring that control loops remain stable and efficient over the entire life of the vehicle or power supply.

Beyond raw accuracy, the device simplifies system architecture by integrating a stable, non-ratiometric voltage reference that eliminates the need for external precision voltage reference components on the PCB. This not only reduces the BOM and saves board space but also removes a major source of system-level noise and error, allowing the sensor to deliver a pristine signal directly to the microcontroller.

Features and benefits:

• Unmatched accuracy: Achieves 0.55% typical sensitivity error over temperature and lifetime for tighter control loops and higher system efficiency.
• Lowest drift performance: Proprietary compensation architecture ensures long-term stability, improving system reliability.
• Simplified design: Integrated precision voltage reference removes external components and noise sources.
• High-voltage isolation: Robust reinforced isolation ensures safety in high-voltage xEV and industrial systems.
• Compact, standard footprint: Monolithic surface-mount leaded package offers high isolation without the bulk of module-based alternatives.

Designers can request the preliminary datasheet and engineering samples for the ACS37017.