TI Introduces First Multi-Axis Coreless Hall-Effect Current Sensor for HEV and EV Traction Inverters

Texas Instruments (TI) has introduced the industry’s first multi-axis coreless Hall-effect current sensor designed specifically for hybrid electric vehicles (HEVs), electric vehicles (EVs), and electric propulsion systems. Optimized for HEV and EV traction inverter applications, the new TMCS2100-Q1 combines multi-axis magnetic-field sensing with proprietary algorithms to overcome the traditional trade-off between current measurement accuracy and compact system design.

Conventional coreless current sensors typically measure magnetic fields along only a single axis. In contrast, the TMCS2100-Q1 can simultaneously detect magnetic fields in both horizontal and vertical directions, enabling significantly higher measurement accuracy. According to TI, its multi-axis sensing approach can deliver up to 20 times greater accuracy than single-axis solutions, achieving less than 1% error with a 0.4 mm displacement and as little as 0.25% error within a 0.1 mm displacement range.

This level of precision can improve torque-control performance in EV powertrains, helping maximize efficiency and power output across a wide range of load and temperature conditions.

“Engineers now have access to a Hall-effect current sensor that overcomes key limitations of existing solutions, which is particularly important for 800 V architectures where traction inverter accuracy requirements are becoming increasingly demanding,” said Jason Cole, vice president and general manager of TI’s current sensing products. “Developed with advanced research from TI’s Kilby Labs, the TMCS2100-Q1 is designed to give automakers a more accurate current-sensing solution, helping enable longer driving range, smoother vehicle operation and more efficient motor control.”

Why Multi-Axis Current Sensing Matters

As automotive manufacturers work to make traction inverters smaller, lighter and more efficient, current measurement accuracy has become increasingly important. Traditional sensing technologies often force engineers to choose between precision and compactness.

Magnetic-core and C-core solutions can provide high measurement accuracy, but their larger size and additional weight can limit system-level design flexibility. Coreless alternatives offer a significantly smaller footprint, but their accuracy can be affected by conductor displacement, vibration and magnetic interference.

The TMCS2100-Q1 addresses these limitations through multi-axis magnetic sensing and advanced signal processing.

During vehicle operation, vibration and mechanical movement can cause the conductor to shift relative to the sensor. In a conventional single-axis coreless design, such displacement can introduce significant measurement errors. By simultaneously sensing magnetic fields along two axes, the TMCS2100-Q1 can compensate for displacement-related effects and maintain more consistent current measurements.

Improved accuracy also helps reduce the impact of magnetic crosstalk and torque fluctuations. More stable current feedback can contribute to smoother acceleration, reduced motor noise and improved operating efficiency, while helping minimize factors that could otherwise affect vehicle range.

Compact Design Without a Magnetic Core

The TMCS2100-Q1 achieves high-precision current measurement without requiring a magnetic core. This allows engineers to develop traction inverters with a smaller footprint and higher power density while maintaining accurate current sensing.

For EV and HEV manufacturers, the combination of compact dimensions and improved sensing performance can support more efficient powertrain architectures and contribute to longer driving range and a smoother overall driving experience.

The TMCS2100-Q1 represents another addition to TI’s automotive sensing portfolio and reflects the company’s continued focus on addressing increasingly demanding vehicle electrification requirements. As automotive powertrains move toward higher voltages, faster switching technologies and greater power density, accurate and robust current measurement will play an increasingly important role in next-generation traction inverter designs.