Redefining the market with 3D magnetic position sensors

Melexis has expanded its portfolio of 3D magnetic position sensing solutions with the launch of the MLX9042x series. These sensors target cost-conscious automotive customers who need to measure absolute position accurately and safely in severe and noisy environments across an extended temperature range.

The solutions are mainly intended for automotive customers operating on applications such as powertrain actuators, transmission sensors, pedal position sensors and chassis sensors. Industrial customers will also profit from the improvements they allow.

Based on Triaxis Hall sensor technology pioneered by the company, the devices all provide analog signal conditioning, data conversion and signal processing, and output stage drivers.

The devices in this series include the MLX90421: rotary and linear use, with analog or PWM output; MLX90422: rotary and linear use, with SENT output; MLX90423: linear stray field immune with either analog, PWM or SENT output; MLX90425: rotary 360-degree stray field immunity with analog or PWM output.; and MLX90426: rotary 360-degree stray field immunity with SENT output.

To provide first-time-right EMC testing the MLX9042x provide similar performance as the products in the MLX9037x family. Just one test cycle is needed, keeping the design progressing quickly and the costs low. The high AMR, including reverse polarity, lower the number of quality incidents due to electrical overstress and allows the attainment of various OEM necessities.

ASIL B ready (per ISO 26262), these devices facilitate the design of functionally safe actuators and sensors to provide safe operation of the vehicle. As well as single die versions, dual die versions are provided for applications needing higher levels of safety and availability.

Another key benefit includes support for 160C operational temperatures. The high temperature capability allows position sensing applications in hot environments - such as small engine compartments or where start-stop conditions generate increased heat soaks.

The devices are all fully AEC-Q100 qualified. They can be provided in SMD packages or in SMP-3 and SMP-4 PCB-less packages (where the sensor and EMC capacitors are integrated into a single mould).

“Building on the success of our MLX9036x product family, we now have a cost-optimised series that retains all of the core features. In addition there are functional safety and EMC enhancements, plus improved operating temperature and stray magnetic field capabilities,” explains Dieter Verstreken, global marketing manager Position Sensors, Melexis. “This really sets us apart from the competition. It means we provide customers with the required features at the desired price.”