Sensor integrated circuits (ICs) are everywhere and can measure almost any type of physical stimuli. From measuring the ambient temperature and humidity of a room to detecting cars and other obstacles on the road, sensor ICs are the “senses” of a modern system – helping systems more quickly and reliably react to the world around them.

Sensor ICs are typically designed for a specific modality or type or sensing; current, voltage, humidity, proximity, radar, etc. Recent sensor IC technology innovations have focused on integrating more capabilities into the IC while also increasing overall accuracy and reliability for its given modality. These innovations have led to better system performance, increased energy efficiency and – in some cases –new applications.

One example is the continuous monitoring of a car’s interior and exterior with low-power radar sensing. In the past, radar sensing consumed too much power to be used continuously when the car engine was off. With innovations in millimeter-wave (mmWave) radar sensors, 360° continuous monitoring of a car for unauthorized access or unattended children is now possible.

Sensing ICs play an important role in the shift from combustion engines to electric drivetrains, particularly in terms of current and voltage sensing for battery management systems, on-board chargers and DC fast charging stations, as shown in Figure 1.

DC fast charging stations are an example of how impactful current sensors are in electric vehicles (EVs) - specifically the power-module control loop of the charging station. Current sensors monitor the signal bandwidth, gain and offset errors that can affect the power module’s ability to reliably regulate AC-to-DC power conversion, which enables fast charging of the car’s battery. In systems where power consumption is a design priority, a shunt-based current design can be implemented with isolated amplifiers or delta-sigma modulators such as the AMC1306M05 or AMC3302.

Figure 1 An EV at a fast charging station

Sensor ICs are also involved in automotive systems beyond battery management and charging systems. While not a recent development, the electrification of systems across the entire automobile – from windshield wipers to seat adjustment motors – continues to provide opportunities for more efficient system design through sensing.

Linear, 3D, angle, switch and latch Hall-effect sensors enable precise responses for real-time feedback of the actuator or motors, helping automotive systems contribute to a more responsive and comfortable environment for drivers.

In addition to using sensors to improve driver and passenger comfort in modern vehicles, automotive engineers are seeking to implement systems that can improve the overall safety of the vehicle by detecting failures before they occur. This requires sensor ICs with diagnostic features that support device- and system-level functions to detect, monitor and report failures during operation. Position sensors such as the TMAG5170-Q1, TMAG5170D-Q1 or the TMAG5173-Q1 are designed to monitor automotive system operation and detect faults quickly – helping engineers meet their regulatory requirements such as those in the ISO 26262 standard up to ASIL D level.