Melexis adds to its range of intelligent position sensor ICs

July 25, 2012 - Tessenderlo, Belgium, Melexis has launched the latest product in its position sensor IC portfolio, based on the company’s proprietary Triaxis® technology. The MLX90365 is a 12-bit resolution device that can be used in either linear or rotary position sensing systems. It features fully programmable transfer functionality, selectable analog and pulse width modulation (PWM) output modes, open/short diagnostics and on-board diagnostics.

The MLX90365 delivers the same position sensing functionality as recently introduced with the dual mold package MLX90364. The MLX90365 is produced in conventional SOIC and TSSOP surface mount packages which necessitate passive protection components being put on the PCB, while its ‘No PCB’ sibling MLX90364 allows for assemblies without attachment to a board. The sensor IC has both under-voltage detection and over-voltage protection built in. It is AEC-Q100 automotive qualified. Moreover the sensor has successfully passed extreme robustness validation tests, including long exposures to ambient temperatures of 170 °C.

Thanks to utilization of Triaxis® technology, this device can measure the properties of a magnetic field in all three dimensions. The patented Integrated Magnetic Concentrator (IMC®) on the surface of the sensor IC along with use of complex algorithms results in reduced signal to noise ratios and enable high accuracy levels being achieved. Among the supplication areas for which the proves suitable MLX90365 are absolute rotary position sensing, absolute linear position sensing, pedal position sensing, steering wheel position sensing, throttle position sensing and float-level sensing.

“This latest device expands our deployment of high accuracy contact-less sensing,” says Vincent Hiligsmann, Marketing Manager for Position Sensors at Melexis. “Special care has been applied to the on-board diagnostics providing, for such a sensing device, a best-in-class readiness level vs. ISO26262 requirements. The launch of the MLX90365, along with the introduction of a SENT-SAE J2716 capable version later this year, show that the Triaxis position sensor portfolio is ready to support the current and future market challenges in terms of performance, robustness and functional safety requirements”