Smart, LIN Bus Motor Control IC Simplifies 12V Automotive Actuator Designs

Melexis Technologies NV has announced the release of its latest advanced motor controller IC for use with the direct current (DC) and single or dual phase brush-less direct current (BLDC) motors now being designed into modern vehicles. Intended for environments with elevated temperature levels, the MLX81150 incorporates many of the external components critical for DC/BLDC motor control into its compact package - thereby curbing board space utilization, bill of materials costs and system power budget.

The MLX81150 has a high performance 16-bit embedded Flash microcontroller, with 32kByte Flash memory, which deals with specific motor control application requirements, while the built-in 4-bit central processor is able to completely take care of the LIN protocol (with Melexis providing the LIN protocol software necessary to accompany this). In addition, a voltage regulator, a LIN transceiver, plus two relay drivers and four power FET gate drivers are all included on the chip. A series of pre-programmed functional blocks assist in ensuring that efficient motor operation is achieved. There is also an interface for Hall sensor connection in order to enable position sensing to be carried out.

This highly integrated device addresses the operational needs of positioning actuators with DC motors that are employed in throttle valves or window lifters, as well as those of the permanent running motors found in auxiliary water/oil pumps. The MLX81150 is offered in 5mm x 5mm QFN32 and 7mm x 7mm TQFP48 (exposed pad) package formats. AEC-Q100 Grade 0 qualified, this device has a working temperature range of -40°C and 150°C. It also has 45V load dump protection.