Updated Triaxis Position Sensors Target Mainstream Automotive Applications

Addressing cost-sensitive automotive applications such as powertrain actuators, pedal positioning, fuel level gauges, and transmission systems, Melexis' expanded portfolio of non-contact position sensors with the MLX90421 and MLX90422 Triaxis high-accuracy magnetic sensors. Also suitable for industrial applications, the sensors have the same basic features as MLX90364/5/6/7 devices, but with enhancements in the areas of functional safety and electromagnetic compliance. Able to support heightened temperature operation, the new position-sensing ICs have built-in data conversion and DSP, as well as a programmable output-stage driver.

Able to be configured for determining position rotationally or linearly, the MLX90421 has a ratiometric analog or PWM output, and the MLX90422 providing a single edge nibble transmission (SENT) output per SAE J2716. Features include a -40°C to 160°C ambient operating temperature range, with full adherence to ISO26262 functional safety guidelines. The ICs require one EMC  test cycle, reducing design work and associated engineering costs. Additional features include output protection of -18V/34V and supply protection of -18V/37V.

Supplied as a single die in SOIC-8 form or as a PCB-less DMP-4, the ICs are backward-compatible and are drop-in replacements for the company's legacy devices. A fully redundant dual-die TSSOP-16 package is also available, for safety-critical situations requiring system redundancy.