Poing – 13th February 2008

Avnet Memec, the highly specialised semiconductor distributor of Avnet Electronics Marketing EMEA, adds a new range of automotive-grade, Hall effect linear current sensors from Allegro MicroSystems Europe to its portfolio. With these current sensors - a focus product family - Avnet Memec will continue to extend the success of this family in Europe.

The new ACS714 and ACS715 linear current sensors combine high accuracy with excellent voltage isolation. The devices are designed to provide economical and precise sensing solutions for AC and DC currents in industrial and automotive applications such as motor control, load detection and management, switched-mode power supply control, and overcurrent fault protection.

Each of the new products 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 this copper conduction path generates a magnetic field which is sensed by the integrated Hall IC and converted into a proportional voltage. Device accuracy is optimised through the close proximity of the magnetic signal to the Hall transducer.

Features and Benefits

• ACS714 = bidirectional, ACS715 = unidirectional
• Low-noise analog signal path
• Device bandwidth is set via the FILTER pin
• 5 μs output rise time in response to step input current
• 80 kHz bandwidth
• Total output error 1.5% typical, at TA = 25°C
• Small footprint, low-profile SOIC8 package
• Integrated shield
• 1.2 mΩ internal conductor resistance
• 2.1 kVRMS minimum isolation voltage from pins 1-4 to pins 5-8
• 5.0 V, single supply operation
• 66 to 185 mV/A output sensitivity
• Output voltage proportional to AC or DC currents
• Factory-trimmed for accuracy
• Extremely stable output offset voltage
• Nearly zero magnetic hysteresis
• Ratiometric output from supply voltage
• Operating temperature range, –40°C to 150°C

The devices are supplied in a small, 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 RoHS.

Avnet Memec, an independent business unit of Avnet Electronics Marketing EMEA, is a highly specialised semiconductor distributor, operating on a pan-European basis and employing a significant number of engineers to support customers’ design efforts. Avnet Memec specialises in highly innovative suppliers and technologies, which will help a variety of customers to differentiate their designs. Its area of specialisation extends from Analog and Microcontrollers to RF, Datacom and Networking. The business unit operates out of 30 offices in 17 European countries and represents major semiconductor franchises on a pan-European basis. Its many major supplier partners include Cirrus Logic, Lattice, Marvell, NEC, Silicon Laboratories.

Allegro MicroSystems, Inc. is a leader in developing, manufacturing and marketing high-performance power integrated circuits and integrated Hall-effect magnetic sensors. Allegro’s innovative solutions serve high-growth applications within the automotive, communications, computer/office automation, consumer and industrial markets. Allegro is headquartered in Worcester, Massachusetts (USA) with design and applications centres located in North and South America, Asia, and Europe. 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 centre in Annecy in France.