New Hybrid Sensor By LEM Boosts EV Battery Management

Switzerland-based LEM has introduced a pioneering high-voltage battery sensor for electric vehicles (EVs), blending shunt and Hall effect technologies. 

This compact Hybrid Supervising Unit (HSU) enhances battery management with cost-effective precision.

Understanding the Tech

The HSU merges shunt and open-loop Hall effect methods into one unit. Shunt technology measures current via a low-resistance resistor (25µΩ), detecting voltage drops for high currents up to 2000A.

Hall effect sensing, using magnetic fields, offers contactless, isolated measurements with 2 per cent accuracy at 500A and 5 per cent at 2000A. Separate signal lines ensure reliable data, supported by temperature compensation.

By combining two technologies, the HSU reduces space, weight, and costs in battery disconnect units. Its plug-and-play design fits standard busbars, easing integration and accelerating production timelines.

The sensor helps EV systems achieve ASIL D safety levels, which is crucial for protecting users and ensuring reliable battery performance across a -40°C to 125°C range.

Boosting EV Efficiency

EV battery management systems track charge, health, and cell balancing while prioritising safety. The HSU simplifies these tasks, delivering accurate data in a single component, allowing upgrades without redesigns.

This efficiency could lower EV production costs, making vehicles more accessible. The compact design also optimises space for other critical components.

As EVs gain traction globally, this hybrid sensor sets a benchmark for cost-effective battery management. Future iterations may pair shunt with coreless Hall effect tech, further reducing size and costs.

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