Current sensors are fundamental building blocks in many power delivery systems, such as ac-dc and isolated dc-dc switch mode power supplies, motor control and electronic lighting.  As power supply manufacturers strive to increase the power density and reliability of their products, “green” energy mandates are simultaneously driving the need to increase energy efficiency.  System designers are consequently demanding smaller, more efficient and higher performing current sensors.  The Si85xx 5 kV current sensor meets these needs as the world’s most integrated ac current sensor family, featuring very low loss with high accuracy, lower BOM costs, smaller size and greater functional integration than competing solutions. 

Current sensors are used in power systems of all types and generate an output signal proportional to measured current.  The Si85xx family is primarily targeted at manufacturers of isolated ac-dc and dc-dc switch mode power supplies (SMPS), uninterruptible power supplies (UPS), motor controls, and electronic lighting ballasts.  The Si85xx enables system designers to develop smaller, more efficient and reliable power delivery systems. 

The Si85xx family offers ±5% initial full scale accuracy with significantly lower loss, smaller size, fewer external components than competing solutions, while also providing up to 5 kVrms of isolation.  The 5 kV rating makes Si85xx sensors suitable for use in virtually any system powered from a 120 Vac or 220 Vac supply (a.k.a. a “universal-powered” system).

Si85xx ac current sensors are part of Silicon Labs’ growing isolation and power product portfolio, which also includes the Si84xx ISOpro digital isolators and Si82xx isolated gate drivers.  Since many power supplies, motor controls, and electronic lighting ballasts typically require one of more of these isolation components, as well as an embedded MCU, Silicon Labs offers multiple options for isolation solutions.