In this exclusive interview, Ram Sathappan, Director of Global Marketing at Allegro Microsystems at electronica India 2024 provides insights into the company’s innovative TMR-based sensors, 48 Volt technology solutions, strategic focus, and expanding presence in global markets. As a leader in sensing and power integrated circuits (ICs), Allegro has been at the forefront of advancements in magnetic current sensing and power IC development for over 30 years. Ram discusses what sets Allegro apart from its competitors, the company’s commitment to customer-centric solutions, and its forward-looking approach to emerging opportunities in India and the automotive sector.
Could you please introduce yourself and provide an overview of Allegro Microsystems?
Ram Sathappan : Hello everyone, my name is Ram Sathappan, and I serve as the Director of Global Marketing at Allegro Microsystems. Allegro is a global leader in sensing and power integrated circuits (ICs), with over 30 years of expertise in magnetic current sensing. In addition, we specialize in the development of power ICs, including motor drivers and power management solutions.
What distinguishes Allegro Microsystems from other companies in the sensor industry?
Ram Sathappan: Allegro holds the position as the leading global supplier of magnetic sensing ICs. Our key differentiator lies in our rich history of innovation, paired with a customer-centric approach. We closely collaborate with our customers to understand their challenges, allowing us to develop advanced solutions that stay ahead of the competition. Over time, we’ve also expanded our portfolio to include power ICs, such as motor and isolated gate drivers. Our focus on purposeful innovation ensures we remain at the forefront of the industry.
How does Allegro view the Indian market, and what are your focus areas for customers in India?
Ram Sathappan : The Indian market is experiencing rapid growth, particularly in electronics manufacturing, presenting a substantial opportunity. Allegro has been present in India for over 15 years, primarily supporting the two-wheeler sector with sensors that enhance fuel efficiency and reduce emissions in line with environmental regulations. We have also expanded into industrial markets, supporting sectors like irrigation and industrial motors. Looking ahead, we see significant potential in renewable energy, particularly solar, as well as the electric vehicle (EV) sector. Allegro is well-positioned to support both hybrid and electric vehicle advancements in India.
How does Allegro support its customers on a global scale?
Ram Sathappan : At Allegro, collaboration with our customers is a top priority. We don’t simply provide products; we engage closely with customers throughout the product development process, ensuring our solutions meet their specific needs. Our global presence, with regional teams across India, China, Europe, and the U.S., enables us to offer 24/7 support. Our goal is to be with our customers from the initial concept stage through to the final product, offering comprehensive tools, evaluations, and solutions along the way.
Could you elaborate on Allegro’s physical presence in India?
Ram Sathappan : India is emerging as a key player in global electronics manufacturing, and Allegro is committed to supporting this growth. Initially, our focus in India was on sales and customer support, but we have since expanded, establishing a research and development (R&D) center in Hyderabad. This center is dedicated to developing products specifically for the Indian market. Additionally, our Pune office handles sales and application support. As the Indian hardware industry continues to grow, we anticipate further expansion of our presence in the region.
Can you elaborate on what makes Allegro’s technology unique and how it’s contributing to innovations in sensing technology?
Ram Sathappan : Certainly! Allegro’s innovation is focused on how we uniquely approach various technological advancements, especially in magnetic sensing. One of the key technologies we’ve developed is called XtremeSense TMR—TMR stands for Tunneling Magneto Resistance. Historically, we have been using Hall-based sensors, but now we’ve transitioned to TMR-based sensors, which offer significant advantages. For example, we recently launched two new products that utilize this TMR technology, introduced at Electronica India.
The advantage of TMR-based sensors is that they enable a lot more functionality in smaller components. You can eliminate the need for larger modules and simply place integrated circuits (ICs) on a PCB to measure currents as high as 1,000 amps. This is highly beneficial for applications like switch-mode power supplies, solar inverters, automotive inverters for electric vehicles, and industrial motors. It’s a game-changer in current sensing technology for various industries.
With the trend towards higher voltages in vehicles, how is Allegro positioned to address the shift to 48-volt systems?
Ram Sathappan : That’s a great question! The industry is definitely moving towards 48-volt systems, especially in automotive applications. Traditional car batteries have been 12 volts, and commercial vehicles use 24 volts. Now, there’s a growing trend towards 48 volts for several reasons. First, it increases the system’s energy efficiency, and second, it reduces both the weight and space requirements because the cables and wires can be thinner due to the higher voltage.
Our process technology at Allegro is already capable of supporting up to 110 volts of breakdown voltage, which puts us in an excellent position to support 48-volt systems. We’ve already released products in the market like motor drivers, PMICs, and current sensors that are ready for 48-volt systems. This is crucial for industries like automotive, where saving on component costs, weight, and space is essential.
What is Allegro’s approach to providing solutions for customers?
Ram Sathappan : At Allegro, we focus on providing holistic solutions rather than just individual components. For example, in applications like steering and braking systems, we offer a complete portfolio of products including current sensors, position sensors, angle sensors, speed sensors, motor drivers, and power management ICs. These components all work together seamlessly.
When we approach customers, we present them with a full solution. This simplifies their design and development processes, as they don’t have to source components from multiple vendors. All of our products are designed to integrate well with each other, making the overall system more efficient and easier to develop. This solution-based approach is one of the key ways we differentiate ourselves in the market.
What other areas of innovation is Allegro currently focusing on?
Ram Sathappan : In addition to our advancements in TMR technology and 48-volt systems, one of the key areas we’re pushing forward is the development of complete solutions for various applications. We sell systems, not just individual parts. This means that for applications like automotive steering and braking, we offer a combination of products like sensors, drivers, and power management ICs, which work together seamlessly to provide an integrated solution. Our goal is to continue innovating in these areas, especially where we can offer significant improvements in performance, efficiency, and ease of design for our customers. By doing so, we’re not only advancing our technology but also making it easier for our customers to build cutting-edge products.
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