Allegro Introduces 48V Power and Precision Sensors for Robotics

Allegro MicroSystems is expanding its robotics portfolio with 48V power management and precision position-sensing solutions designed to address key hardware challenges in humanoid robots. The portfolio targets system size, weight, thermal management, torque density, and functional safety, supporting the development of compact robotic platforms for human-robot collaboration. A collaboration with Sarcomere Dynamics also supports efforts to achieve more natural, human-like dexterity.

As humanoid robots adopt 48V power architectures to reduce cabling weight and resistive losses, engineers must distribute power efficiently in space-constrained designs. Allegro’s A81481 power management IC (PMIC) integrates power regulation and safety monitoring in a single 6 × 6 mm package, eliminating the need for external pre-regulators.

The device incorporates two buck regulators, five low-dropout (LDO) outputs, and safety diagnostics, including a triple-watchdog architecture. Its ASIL-D-capable safety features support safety-critical designs, while the integrated architecture simplifies board layout and reduces component count. According to Allegro, the A81481 can cut overall system footprint and bill-of-materials costs by approximately 50%.

The A17802 and A17803 inductive position sensors provide accurate rotor-position feedback for high-torque actuators in robotic joints such as shoulders, hips, and knees. Both devices include on-chip compensation and advanced filtering to maintain reliable operation despite variations in the mechanical air gap. Their inherent stray-field immunity eliminates the need for additional magnetic shielding, helping reduce system complexity. The A17803 is also available in an ultra-compact QFN package.

For robotic hands and fingers, where space constraints and mechanical disturbances can affect measurement accuracy, Allegro offers the CT310 XtremeSense tunnel magnetoresistance (TMR) angle sensor and the A33023 Hall-effect angle sensor.

The CT310 provides sub-degree angular accuracy in a 2 × 2 mm DFN package. The A33023 combines low-latency measurement, stray-field immunity, and multiple digital output options, supporting robust diagnostics and functional safety requirements. Both devices offer solid-state sensing alternatives to conventional wire-wound resolvers and optical encoders.

Allegro’s Robotics Building Blocks program offers samples and evaluation support for the A81481, A17802, A17803, CT310, and A33023. Allegro will also showcase its robotics power and sensing solutions at electronica 2026, Hall C6, Booth 129.

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