Current sensor ICs feature high accuracy and internal isolation

The new ACS722 and ACS723 current sensor ICs from Allegro MicroSystems Europe are high-accuracy devices featuring internal galvanic isolation, and are ideally suited to use in low-power applications incorporating high output voltage swings at low currents.

The new devices are true bidirectional ±5 A or unidirectional 10 A sensor ICs which provide an economical and precise solution for AC or DC current sensing in non-automotive applications such as industrial, commercial, and communications systems. The compact package makes them ideal for applications where space is limited while also saving costs due to the reduced board area.

Typical applications include motor control, load detection and management, switched-mode power supplies, solar invertors and overcurrent fault protection.

Each of the new ICs 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 the copper conduction path generates a magnetic field which is sensed by the integrated Hall device 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 slope 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 typically 0.65 mΩ, providing low power loss.

The terminals of the conductive path are electrically isolated from the sensor leads. This allows the ACS722 and ACS723 current sensor ICs to be used in high-side current sense applications without the use of high-side differential amplifiers or other costly isolation techniques. The devices are certified to 2400 V RMS isolation, and can be used in AC line tied applications.

The two devices are differentiated by the supply voltage: 3.3 V for the ACS722 and 5 V for the ACS723. This means that the ACS723 has higher sensitivity than the ACS722 for the same current range. For example, the ACS723LLCTR-05AB-T has a sensitivity of 400 mV/A as compared with 264 mV/A for the ACS722LLCTR-05AB-T.

The sensor ICs are provided in a small, low profile surface mount SOIC8 package. 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 the RoHS Directorate. The device is fully calibrated prior to shipment from the factory.

About Allegro
Allegro MicroSystems, LLC is a leader in developing, manufacturing and marketing high-performance semiconductors. Allegro's innovative solutions serve high-growth applications within the automotive market, with additional focus on office automation, industrial, and consumer/communications solutions. Allegro is headquartered in Worcester, Massachusetts (USA) with design, applications, and sales support centers located worldwide. Further information about Allegro can be found at www.allegromicro.com

Allegro MicroSystems Europe, headquartered in Chertsey, United Kingdom, is the European sales and marketing operation, and operates a network of representatives and distributors throughout Europe.  Allegro also has an engineering design centre in Edinburgh in Scotland and an application and marketing centre in Annecy in France.