Melexis releases free online Current Sensor Simulator

Melexis has introduced its Current Sensor Simulator – a web application for rapidly selecting sensors from the company’s IMC-Hall portfolio. This interactive tool accelerates the design process, enabling engineers with limited magnetic sensing experience to benefit from the technology. By filling in parameters on the web interface, users can describe their specific design requirements. Based on these, it then recommends the appropriate part number, as well as the relevant ferromagnetic concentrator (shield). The tool also provides a total error budget, so performance can be instantaneously estimated across the full temperature and current sensing range.

The IMC-Hall current sensor ICs deliver accurate, contact-free current measurement widely used in both automotive and industrial applications. It brings the advantage of surface mount assembly and mechanical integration versus core-based technology. It does not have the inconveniences of coreless and shieldless technologies. These technologies are by nature sensitive to mechanical tolerances and demand the IC to be rigidly positioned very close to the busbar.

Melexis’ Current Sensor Simulator pairs sensors and shields automatically, based on the requirements provided. It educates users about the trade-offs associated with different IMC-Hall devices and shields. Also, there is the ability to visualise shield non-linearities and determine the levels at which saturation will occur. This means that users can see what impact saturation will have and choose the optimal shield.

“By utilising the new web-based Current Sensor Simulator tool, we are able to translate requirements set by our customers into optimised sensing solutions,” states Bruno Boury, Product Line Manager Current Sensors at Melexis. “This enables engineers of all levels of experience to fully leverage IMC-Hall magnetic sensing technology. They get a quick route to a solution that is perfectly matched to their application, based on the current range needed and the busbar width. As a result, we see potential for these sensors to achieve even greater popularity.”