Posted to News on 30th Jan 2024, 14:30
LEM and Semikron Danfoss co-design new current sensor
After working closely together for several years, LEM and Semikron Danfoss have designed a new concept, called Nano, that merges the capabilities of LEM's range of current sensors with Semikron Danfoss's DCM half-bridge power module platform for high-power automotive applications.
The transition to a decarbonised economy is accelerating fast and the demand for innovative technologies is increasing to support the large-scale adoption of electric vehicles (EVs). Lightweight and compact design of power electronic components is key to enabling efficient design and increasing the driving range of EVs adding value to Tier 1 supplier / OEM system engineers and consumers.
The collaboration between LEM and Semikron Danfoss results in a core-based sensor that is 60% smaller than anything previously available without any compromise on performance.
The Nano current sensor is a great example of how LEM is able to work hand-in-hand with industry specialists to tackle customers' system challenges and create innovative current sensing solutions that deliver optimal performance levels, says Damien Coutellier, senior electronics engineer and Nano project manager at LEM.
This project was a significant challenge, and the beauty of its success lies in the perfect collaboration with Semikron Danfoss. Both teams have been able to work almost like one single team. We have been able to push the boundaries because we created a synergy from our different expertise.
The newly developed sensor makes it possible to completely integrate the sensing function into the power module, minimising component footprint, simplifying assembly and keeping costs down.
It is particularly ideal for use with electric vehicle (EV) traction inverters with the DCM platform, but also compatible with other Semikron Danfoss power module platforms. The innovative idea behind the Nano concept was to design a core-based current sensor that could fit into the unused space between the top side of the power module and the gate driver board.
By working hand-in-hand with LEM, Semikron Danfoss was able to develop a unique solution that combined the best of both worlds our expertise in power electronics with LEM's current sensing and metrology knowledge, says Thomas Zls, senior electrical engineers at Semikron Danfoss.
As a result, this plug-and-play solution will save our customers a great deal of time and effort because they will no longer have to worry about the current sensor footprint, assembly, validation, testing or even performance they are all taken care of in a single package.
