Integrated, high sensitivity, current sensor IC designed with GMR ultra-sensitive technology

Allegro MicroSystems now offers its first fully integrated, GMR-based current sensor IC with ultra-high sensitivity for applications that require <5A current sensing. The company's ACS70331 current sensor IC incorporates giant magneto-resistive (GMR) technology that is 25 times more sensitive than traditional Hall-effect sensor ICs to sense the magnetic field generated by the current flowing through the low resistance, integrated primary conductor. This new device has been created to sense very small currents with 1mA resolution in a very low series resistance package of only 1mOhm. This QFN package has an industry best 3mm x 3mm solder footprint, giving a much smaller sensing footprint at a far lower resistance over competitive shunt and op-amp based solutions. Key applications include radios and walkie-talkies, handheld and laptop adaptor chargers, IoT load detection, small surveillance and other motor control applications. This current sensor IC operates from a single 3.3V power supply and is qualified over the full commercial temperature range of -40C to 85C. It is offered in a space-saving, low-profile, surface mount QFN package.