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April 7, 2025 — Electric vehicle powertrain efficiency hinges on the traction inverter’s ability to precisely measure current flowing between the battery and motor. Even minor measurement errors cause torque ripples—uneven acceleration, increased noise, and wasted energy dissipated as heat. Until now, engineers faced a trade-off between bulky magnetic-core sensors (accurate but heavy) and compact coreless alternatives (light but prone to vibration-induced errors exceeding 20%).
Texas Instruments (TI) today announced the TMCS2100-Q1, a fully integrated, galvanically isolated current sensor that breaks this compromise. The device simultaneously reads horizontal and vertical magnetic field components using a patented dual-axis architecture. This approach compensates for conductor displacement up to 0.4 mm, maintaining measurement error below 1%—a 20× improvement over single-axis solutions. The result: stable readings under fluctuating temperatures, high load transients, and mechanical vibrations, delivering the precision needed for next-generation 800V high-voltage platforms.
“The TMCS2100-Q1 directly addresses the accuracy gap that has limited coreless sensor adoption in EVs,” said Sameer Wasson, vice president of TI’s isolated power and signal chain products. “By eliminating the magnetic core, we reduce size and weight without sacrificing performance, enabling smoother powertrain operation and maximizing every kilowatt-hour from the battery.”
Industry analysts note that precise current sensing is critical for 800V architectures, which are increasingly adopted by automakers like Hyundai, Porsche, and GM to enable faster charging and higher efficiency. A 2024 study by McKinsey estimated that reducing inverter losses by 1% can add up to 5 miles of real-world range in a midsize EV. TI’s new sensor, with its 1% accuracy retention under real-world conditions, could help OEMs achieve that gain without requiring additional battery capacity.
The TMCS2100-Q1 also integrates a reinforced isolation barrier rated for 5 kVRMS, meeting stringent automotive safety standards (ISO 26262 ASIL B). Its compact 8.5 mm × 8.5 mm package fits directly onto the inverter busbar, simplifying PCB design and reducing bill-of-materials cost. Samples are available now, with volume production slated for Q3 2025.
As EV competition intensifies, manufacturers are seeking every efficiency edge. TI’s dual-axis sensor represents a step-change in current measurement robustness, directly contributing to quieter, smoother rides and longer driving ranges—advancements that will resonate with consumers and regulators alike.
