Miniaturization for Current Sensing in Power Conversion

The traditional way to measure current is to use Open Loop Hall effect sensors. The magnetic field created by a current is captured by a magnetic core and measured by a Hall element. More recently, dedicated ASICs helped to increase the overall accuracy of the system using advanced compensation techniques.

LEM first moved into miniaturization in the previous decade with the LTSR product. At that time, the best way to ensure optimum performance was to use Closed Loop Hall effect technology in combination with a special Closed Loop ASIC designed by LEM. The evolution of ASICs technology enabled the development of Open Loop Hall effect sensors capable of approaching the level of performance that Closed Loop technology delivered. Not only did Open Loop technology make it easier to reduce the size of components but it also brought the cost improvements that the market demanded, thanks to a simpler structure and lower power consumption. In the current decade, the development of the HLSR series delivers high performance in terms of offset and drift, as well as excellent response time – all in a package small enough for PCBA-type applications with only a few millimeters (mm) in height.

The extensive know-how and design expertise accumulated over many years was combined to create the HMSR, a state-of-the-art current sensor which satisfies the continuous market requirements of cost reduction, performance improvements and miniaturization.

With this new series, LEM is expanding its miniature, current sensors range for AC and DC isolated current measurement. The new HMSR models are easy to use because they include a low-resistance primary conductor (which minimizes power losses), a miniature ferrite and a proprietary ASIC to allow direct current measurement and consistent insulation performance.

This new product category already includes six different nominal currents – 6A, 8A, 10A, 15A, 20A and 30A – with a measurement span of 2.5 times the nominal current available in a SOIC 16-like footprint package. Standard models provide an analog voltage output with different sensitivity levels available, with 5V power supply versions achieving an output voltage of 800 mV @ IPN.

Two over current detection (OCD) units are built-in and separate the control application path to the safety loop. These OCDs are on two dedicated pins – one set internally at 2.93 x I_PN as threshold, and one externally whose threshold can be adjusted by the user.

However, HMSR sensors should not be seen as simple Open Loop Hall effect ASIC-based transducers. The HMSR’s unique primary conductor allows overload punctual currents and a high level of insulation. This is combined with a ferrite-based magnetic circuit to provide excellent immunity against the external inhomogeneous fields found in power electronics applications. This enables the HMSR to be used in environments with high levels of disturbance.

The ferrite used in the HMSR is also a key factor in achieving a high-frequency bandwidth of 270 kHz (-3dB) and makes it possible to achieve good rejection against external fields.

These dedicated ASIC designs combine field-proven techniques such as spinning and programmable internal temperature compensation (EEPROM) for improved gain and offset drifts. The result is high levels of accuracy across a range of temperatures, from -40°C to +125°Cwith a typical value of 0.5 % of I_PN (the HMSR 20-SMS model). Power conversion applications such as solar inverters or drives, demand high efficiency levels and these can be reached only if the control loop is accurate.

The accuracy over temperature figures have been greatly improved on the HMSR in comparison to the previous generation of products. The graph below shows the low level of typical overall error across a measured current with the HMSR 20-SMS, as well as very good linearity on a wide temperature range (-40°C to +125°C). (See Figure 2)

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Figure 2: Typical overall accuracy and linearity for HMSR 20-SMS model (from -40°C to +125°C)

However, such accuracy is not enough if it is not backed by a fast response time. To this end, the deployment of a fast IGBT, like SiC-based technology, increases the possibility of working with a faster switching frequency. The HMSR is proven to be ready for such demanding technology with a response time below 2uS. (See Figure 3)

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Figure 3: HMSR response time

In multiple applications, HMSR sensors can be mounted directly onto a printed circuit board as SO16 SMD devices, reducing manufacturing costs and providing much needed space-saving for restricted environments. At just 6mm high, the HMSR offers significant space-saving in applications, making it ideal for placing under the heatsink over intelligent power modules (IPMs).

Another area where the HMSR will deliver significant benefits in terms of current measurement is in solar applications. In particular, the maximum power point tracker (MPPT), an important asset in solar energy conversion, is a collection of components that maximize the power generated from a photovoltaic (PV) panel. It does this by regulating current and voltage depending on temperature, sunshine and total resistance of the system. The control system permanently analyzes the system output after injecting a small perturbation (using the perturb and observe method). The MPPT then analyses the resulting power (by sensing voltage and current) and deducts the parameter to change in order to reach the maximum power point (MPP). The MPPT then changes the pulse width modulation (PWM) to adapt the voltage of the DC/DC converter.

The greater the accuracy and lower the noise, the better the performance from the MPPT will be. Using LEM’s state-of-the art ASIC, the HMSR provides a highly accurate and very low-noise signal which allows the system to operate to its optimal level.

What’s more, string current monitoring makes it possible to compare several strings and to detect issues such as faulty wiring, dirt on the panels and shadows created by growing trees. Here, the excellent accuracy of the HMSR will enable strings to be compared.

In addition, the DC/DC converter used in the MPPT uses high-frequency regulation (around 80kHz), creating high dV/dt which is harmful for electronic components. Thanks to its ruggedized design, the HMSR offers significant resistance to such a noisy environment.

This immunity can easily be checked by applying dV/dt through the sensor and observing the output reaction. A low disturbance is created with the HMSR 20-SMS by applying dV/dt through the sensor. The error generated is only 3% of full scale with a recovery time of 3.8 uS. (tested with pulsed voltage of +/- 1000 V at 20kV/uS).

The two available built-in OCDs on the HMSR will also protect transistors on the inverter from short-circuiting and overload. This kind of detection and protection is an important feature for multiple applications like HVAC on the DC link or motor drive applications. Most modern variable-frequency drives (VFDs) incorporate a motor overload algorithm and the OCD function on the HMSR will make detection much easier, preventing the overheating of equipment. Having two distinct OCDs provides the opportunity to monitor overload and short-circuit events separately.

Of course, isolation requirements could be an issue for the adoption of IC packages when it comes to choosing a current sensor. For example, in the solar industry, power plants are often used with higher DC voltages, up to 1500V in order to increase the DC/AC power ratios. This dramatically increases the isolation needed for a current converter.

The long internal distance between primary and secondary sides helps to isolate the primary bar with the rest of the IC, giving a very high level of isolation, guaranteed at 4.95kV_RMS (at an AC insulation test voltage of 50 Hz, 1 min). This level will be guaranteed for 100% of the shipped products that are tested during production assembly. The special footprint of the HMSR allows 8mm creepage and clearance distances on the landing pad.

A higher comparative tracking index (CTI) means a lower minimum creepage distance is needed and with a CTI of > 600, according to the IEC 62109-1 (Safety of power converters for use in photovoltaic power systems), the working voltage for the HMSR reaches 1600V, which means it is ideally suited to such high-constraint applications.

Another key requirement in the solar industry is that equipment needs to be surge tolerant up to 20kA to offer effective lightning protection. With the HMSR placed directly on to the string inputs that are subject to lightning, components will be extremely robust against such powerful current surges. Indeed, the HMSR has been designed and tested to this level according to the standard 8/20 uS surge test profile.

LEM has developed an HMSR evaluation board that makes it possible to prototype and quickly test the extraordinary performance of this new generation of sensors. Available as a sample on request, this new product line will enter mass production in early 2020. (See Figure 4)

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Figure 4: HMSR demo-board available for sampling

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