Triple Air Core Gauge Driver lowers costs of display meter applications

May 13, 2009 - Ieper, Belgium. Melexis targets the launch of the new MLX10420, a triple air core gauge driver with serial interface, at automotive and industrial applications. The IC is able to drive up to 3 air core meters: two 360 degree meters and one 90degree meter resulting in a significant cost reduction.

The MLX10420 is a microprocessor peripheral for air-core meter control with SIN/COS PWM drivers and serial commands. The circuit controls two independent sets of CMOS power bridges. A 10-bit angle is displayed with 9 bits per quadrant resolution PWM whose frequency is set by an on chip oscillator. A power-on self test detects open or short-circuit outputs for each air-core meter. A real time angle tracking scheme avoids display errors.

The chip can additionally drive one small angle air-core meter (90°). The communication with the microprocessor is done via a three wire serial link. A beneficial feature on the MLX10420 is the special output pin for a possible error status.

Marc Lambrechts, Business Unit Manager SOC at Melexis comments: “The device is perfectly fit for many low-cost analog metering applications. Due to our automotive specialization we developed the IC to meet the automotive market’s quality requirements. Therefore the MLX10420 can fit perfectly in meter applications for motorcycles, small cars, retro-style dashboards, and also industrial measurement applications.”

The MLX10420 is available in a SSOP20 package.

More detailed information including an application note with a reference design and the datasheet for the product are available on the website of Melexis: www.melexis.com/mlx10420