Melexis helps differentiate automotive lighting with MeLiBu, making vehicles more attractive in niche markets

Revolutionary bus protocol technology provides a more streamlined solution that meets space, time-to-market and budget constraints

Melexis, a global microelectronics engineering company, has the engineering expertise to help automakers gain a competitive advantage by enabling dynamic lighting features to be integrated into vehicles. The combination of advanced multi-channel driver ICs and license-free high-speed bus protocols delivers the performance and scalability required for vehicles.

Melexis is a global microelectronics engineering company addressing the latest automotive lighting trends with its state-of-the-art in-car networking capabilities. By using our license-free MeLiBu® technology, design engineers will have access to the high-speed interfaces they need to realize dynamic lighting applications.

Based on the CAN-FD physical layer and self-synchronizing UART communication, the MeLiBu bus protocol is already supported by Melexis' multi-channel MLX81116 and MLX81117 LED driver chips and the MLX81130 OLED driver. More compatible products are coming soon. The high bandwidth and ultra-low latency of MeLiBu enable real-time updates of more than 300 RGB-LEDs. As a result, attractive and dynamic content can be displayed on the LED lighting matrix without compromising performance. There is no need to use too many components that increase overall cost and take up board space.

In addition to being able to provide a data transfer rate of 2 Mbit/s, MeLiBu also has the robustness required to handle ESD and EMI issues associated with automotive deployment. Compliance with the ISO26262 standard means full compliance with ASIL B functional safety expectations. This unique bus protocol supports lighting for both interior and exterior applications. Covering dynamic brand badges, turn signals, safety warning lights, daytime running lights, phone reminders, etc.

“Whether it’s luxury, mid-range or economy, our automotive customers are able to create real differentiation and greater market appeal for their latest models,” said Michael Bender, Melexis Product Line Manager for Recessed Lighting.

“MeLiBu and its associated driver ICs offer a highly flexible and fully scalable platform. They enable exciting new lighting concepts without having to worry about system cost or complexity. This means that dynamic lighting functions can now also be used in low- and mid-range car models”

For more information on MeLiBu from Melexis, visit: www.melexis.com/MeLiBu .

About Melexis

Melexis combines a passion for technology with an inspired engineering vision to design, develop and deliver innovative microelectronic solutions that help designers transform their ideas into applications that perfectly match future needs. With advanced mixed-signal semiconductor sensors and actuators, Melexis solves the challenges of integrating sensing, actuation and communication components in next-generation products and systems, helping to enhance product and system safety, improve efficiency, promote sustainability and enhance ease of use.

Melexis is a global leader in automotive semiconductor sensors, with an average of 13 of our chips currently installed in every new car produced worldwide. Melexis has made full use of its core experience in automotive electronic components to actively expand its sensor and driver chip product portfolio and meet the wide range of needs in markets such as smart appliances, smart homes, industrial and medical applications. Melexis' sensing solutions include magnetic sensors, MEMS sensors (pressure, TPMS, infrared), sensor interface chips, optoelectronic single-point and linear array sensors, and time-of-flight technology. Melexis' driver chip product line includes advanced DC and brushless DC motor control chips, LED driver chips, and FET pre-driver chips. At the same time, Melexis has accumulated rich expertise and experience to ensure that components can communicate clearly and quickly.

Melexis is headquartered in Belgium and has more than 1,500 employees in 18 locations worldwide. The company is listed on Euronext Brussels (MELE).