Texas Instruments (TI) has introduced a multiaxial coreless Hall-effect current sensor for hybrid and electric vehicle traction inverter applications. The new architecture measures magnetic fields in both horizontal and vertical directions and uses a proprietary algorithm to reduce displacement-related measurement error without the size and weight of a magnetic core. 

Current measurement plays a critical role in traction inverter torque control. Magnetic-core, or C-core, implementations can provide high accuracy but add size and weight, while smaller single-axis coreless sensors are more susceptible to measurement errors caused by mechanical displacement, vibration and magnetic crosstalk. TI developed the TMCS2100-Q1 to address this trade-off by measuring both magnetic-field axes simultaneously. TI reports that the multiaxial architecture provides 20 times greater accuracy than single-axis coreless alternatives, with displacement error of less than 1% at 0.4 mm of movement and as low as 0.25% at 0.1 mm. By reducing sensitivity to movement between the sensor and conductor during vehicle operation, the architecture is designed to maintain more consistent current measurement and support tighter torque control under changing operating conditions.

Texas Instruments (TI) multiaxial Hall-effect current sensor for HEV and EV traction inverters | Sensors + Testing Monthly

TI’s multiaxial coreless Hall-effect current sensor is designed for integration within HEV and EV traction inverters to reduce displacement-related measurement error and support more compact inverter designs.

“For the first time, engineers have a Hall-effect current sensor that breaks through the limitations of existing solutions, which is especially critical as 800V architectures raise the bar for traction inverter accuracy,” said Jason Cole, vice president and general manager, Sensing Products at TI. “Leveraging advanced research from TI’s Kilby Labs – our advanced R&D engine – the TMCS2100-Q1 was developed to give automakers a tool to build HEVs and EVs where tighter current measurement translates directly into longer range, smoother ride quality and more efficient motor control.”

Hall-effect current sensors measure the magnetic field generated as current flows through a busbar, which typically connects the traction inverter to the motor. Existing differential coreless sensing approaches can require physical modifications to the busbar, including notches or holes, which can complicate thermal management. TI’s multiaxial architecture requires no busbar modifications, giving designers greater flexibility in sensor placement and mechanical configuration while helping optimize board space and reduce overall traction inverter size.

TI’s characterization process also minimizes phase-to-phase magnetic crosstalk error, with the device supporting measurement errors below 0.5% at full-scale current levels that can exceed 1,000 A. The sensor provides a 250 kHz small-signal bandwidth, operates across a -40°C to 150°C temperature range and is AEC-Q100 qualified for automotive applications. More accurate current measurement can also help minimize torque ripple, which can contribute to motor noise, inefficient operation and uneven acceleration. Production quantities of the TMCS2100-Q1 are now available upon request. TI also offers an evaluation module, characterization module and traction inverter reference design to support engineering evaluation and system development.

About Texas Instruments Incorporated (TI)

Texas Instruments Incorporated (TI) is a Dallas, Texas-headquartered semiconductor company specializing in analog and embedded processing technologies. Founded in 1930, TI designs and manufactures semiconductors serving automotive, industrial, personal electronics, data center, communications equipment and other electronic applications. Its portfolio includes more than 80,000 products serving more than 100,000 customers worldwide, with technologies spanning sensing, signal conditioning, power management, embedded processing and related semiconductor functions. TI employs more than 33,000 people worldwide and generated approximately $17.68 billion in revenue in 2025. The company is publicly traded on Nasdaq under the symbol TXN. For more information, please click here.

Source/Photo Credit: Texas Instruments (TI)

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Molly Bakewell Chamberlin
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