Addressing animated light systems on automotive LED drivers

Melexis has launched its next member of the MeLiBu family, the MLX81143 LED driver. It comprises 21 LED drivers and enhances the power management of the full system. The device has an extremely wide dimming range enabling optimal brightness adjustment during night and day. The MeLiBu interface makes it achievable to drive up to 3000 LEDs in a car simultaneously. The system allows dynamic safety warnings and communication with the driver.

The driver fulfils such challenges by integrating the Melexis CAN over the UART MeLiBu solution. This high-speed communication interface controls individual LEDs to implement the lighting effects set by the vehicle’s systems. The intelligent RGB-LED controller also offers real-time compensation of any colour drift produced by environmental changes and colour-mixing accuracy of less than 1% to eradicate any distinguishable differences between LEDs.

Multiple global car manufacturers are already using MeLiBu technology. Its communication interface uses a CAN-FD physical layer to provide robust and reliable performance at up to 2Mbit speeds. Combining UART with the MeLiBu protocol guarantees an intelligent and high-resolution operation and mitigated temperature-related colour drift. A consistent and non-distracting user experience is sustained under all operating conditions.

The device is AEC-Q100 qualified and ASIL compliant. It meets ISO 26262 functional safety requirements and supports ASIL B integration. The architecture of the driver helps designers to meet EMC requirements. It exhibits low EMI emissions and high levels of EMI immunity.

“The MLX81143 is already the third product offering from Melexis to integrate MeLiBu. This technology enables a scalable approach of the lighting system as well as new application functions,” said Michael Bender, product line manager Embedded Lighting, Melexis. “This new member of our MeLiBu product family further reduces the amount of silicon required per application by supporting higher LED numbers. It also improves power management, thanks to smart options integrated in the IC.”