Melexis receives AEC-Q100 certification and supports ASIL-B functional safety level

Melexis launches new magnetic position sensor chip, AEC-Q100 certified and supports ASIL-B functional safety level

Flexible, programmable solution for measuring both rotary and linear motion

June 11, 2021, Tessenderlo, Belgium - Melexis, a global microelectronics engineering company, has added two new devices to its contactless position sensor chip series - MLX90421 and MLX90422. Both devices launched today are based on the company's proprietary Triaxis® high-precision magnetic sensing technology. The two chips are designed for cost-sensitive automotive applications such as powertrain actuators, pedal positioning systems, fuel level gauges and transmission systems. Although they are also suitable for industrial applications, they have superior capabilities in terms of functional safety and electromagnetic compatibility (EMC) characteristics. In addition, the chip also supports high temperature operation.

In addition to the magnetic sensing element, the new position sensor chip also has built-in data conversion and digital signal processing modules, and is equipped with a programmable output stage driver. After proper configuration, the chip can accurately measure the rotational or linear position. The MLX90421 provides ratiometric analog output or pulse width modulation (PWM) output, and the MLX90422 supports output that complies with the SAE J2716 single-edge half-byte transmission (SENT) protocol.

The extended operating temperature range of the two chips, from -40°C to 160°C, means they can be deployed in power compartments with higher temperatures, in line with the trend towards miniaturization of engines in the automotive industry. The sensor chips fully comply with the ISO26262 functional safety guidelines and support ASIL-B safety levels through independent safety units (SEooC). To ensure that EMC tests are successful the first time, the new chips follow the proven design of the Melexis MLX9037x product family. As a result, these chips only require one test cycle, which means that the design process is shorter and engineering costs can be saved to the maximum extent. Improvements in absolute maximum ratings (AMR), such as -18V/-34V output protection and -18/-37V power supply protection, reduce the risk of electrical overload.

The MLX90421 and MLX90422 are available in single-die packages in SOIC-8 and PCB-less DMP-4. These package options are backwards compatible with the company’s earlier devices, enabling drop-in replacements. For safety-critical applications requiring system redundancy, the chips also support a fully redundant dual-die TSSOP-16 package.