Melexis opens the door on a new world of automotive high voltage integration

October 13, 2009 - Ieper, Belgium. Based on long standing experience in development of fully integrated window lift ICs, Melexis extends its product portfolio of ASSPs with a new generation of system solutions for different smart actuator applications, like window lifter, roof control, engine flaps as well as seatbelt retractors and others. The MLX81150, developed with the industries most cost efficient 0.18µm technology, realizes the single die integration of automotive grade high voltage components, flash memory as well as digital and mixed signal blocks.

The number of electronic applications in current automobiles increases every day. The proliferation of electronics in automobiles demands higher integration and improved cost effectiveness. The previous generation of chip development is this area used SIP (System in package). SIP solutions have 2 or more silicon die in one package, they fulfill the need for more function on the same space, but in general they are not cost efficient due to the complex assembly technology and the necessary overhead. Additionally a bare die application on ceramic substrates, or hybrid circuit, is difficult to realize with SIP devices. To gain the advantage of SIP with cost efficiency of single die solutions Melexis has developed the MLX81150, the 1st product of a new family which opens the door to the next level of cost efficient automotive integration.

The MLX81150 integrates a physical layer LIN transceiver, a voltage regulator as well as a 16-bit microcontroller with 32kB flash memory including the peripheral functions like high voltage IOs, timer, ADC with differential amplifier for current monitoring, PWM-unit and EEPROM. The high voltage mixed signal integration of the 0.18µm process enables the inclusion of a relay driver with free wheel function to support relay based DC applications like window lifters. Additionally the MLX81150 has the possibility to connect directly to external power MOS transistors in half or full bridge configuration without an additional pre-driver IC. This makes the device a perfect solution for different kinds of DC-Motor applications like Seatbelt retractors. The high temperature capability offers the possibility to realize smart engine applications like EGR Flaps or throttle valves.

As a microcontroller core it uses the field proven 4-bit/16-bit dual task implementation. The 4-bit task takes care of communication and the 16-bit task is completely free for the motor control algorithm. A fully approved LIN Software driver meeting the communication tasks of all LIN protocols (LIN1.3, LIN2.x and J2602) is available and functions just like a complete high level development environment.

The high integration of all necessary components together with the flash memory makes the MLX81150 a perfect fit for cost sensitive but flexible LIN slave DC motor actuators. The product is currently under development and will be available with 1st samples Q1/2010.