Sensata Technologies is launching the SIM200 Insulation Monitoring Device (IMD), designed to enhance safety in the next generation of the electric vehicle (EV) ecosystem.
SIM200 (IMD) offers continuous active monitoring of unearthed (Isolated Terra) dc systems including for EVs, charging stations, and systems operating above 60 Vdc.
In a high-voltage system, electrical isolation is accomplished using non-conducting barriers such as insulation on cables, plastic housings on components, and physical distance. IMDs are needed to monitor these systems for failures, which could allow excess current to flow where it should not and pose an electrocution risk.
Using its patented signal injection algorithm and processing capabilities, the SIM200 provides continuous “always on” monitoring, even when the system is turned off or experiencing large changes in voltage.
This IMD solution also offers monitoring of the total stored capacitance in the system — functionality that’s critical for safety in tomorrow’s high-powered megawatt charging applications and meeting future insulation monitoring specifications.
Leveraging technology from Sensata’s 2021 acquisition of Sendyne Corp, the SIM200 monitors the insulation of Isolated Terra systems by injecting a small voltage through isolation resistors onto both the positive and negative high-voltage rails. The injection pulses alternate between the positive and negative rails at set time periods, and the system monitors these pulses against the system voltage to detect any safety concerns with the system and help trigger a shutdown if necessary.
Engineered to work seamlessly across EV charging and other platforms, the SIM200 is available in a variety of standard modules configured for applications from 60 up to 1500 V. The device is UL 2231-2 recognized and has been tested to IEC 61557-8 requirements. Its communication framework has also been designed with inputs from some of the world’s largest OEMs, with dual dedicated fault state outputs, self-diagnosis functionality, as well as a modular CAN 2.0B interface for detailed system information.
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