Compact Busbar-Integrated Current Sensing using 2D Magnetoresistive Point Field Detectors in Power Electronic Systems

Current sensing is an integral part of most power electronic systems. For increased power density and galvanic isolation, module integrated current sensing using Giant Magnetoresistance (GMR) Point Field Detectors (PFDs) has been demonstrated. In this paper, submillimeter 2D Tunnel Magnetoresistance (TMR) PFD is characterized for galvanically isolated current sensing. TMR properties that make it superior to AMR and GMR are evaluated. The 2D field shaping and characterization methodology is developed, and 2D PFDs are used in compact integrated current sensing in busbars. It is demonstrated how the 2D Magnetoresistance (MR) PFDs can inherently provide disturbance decoupling with fewer PFDs than 1D MR PFDs, in power dense traction applications.