Magnetic digital encoder with mounting flexibility released

Melexis has introduced the MLX90382, an absolute magnetic encoder IC. With its compact size, stray field immunity, and support for on-axis and off-axis sensing, the device offers seamless integration, including integration into micro-motors. Featuring 14-bit resolution, differential outputs and a speed range of up to 200k e-RPM, it is ideal for industrial automation, robotics, and mobility solutions.

As the utilisation of robotic and automated solutions expands, transitioning from specialised high-end applications to more widespread applications, the demand for cost-effective and accurate encoders that supply essential motion feedback within these systems also increases. High-speed encoder feedback ensures the correct functioning and safety of electric motor-driven applications, such as robotic arms, automated packaging machines, and industrial weaving machines.

The device is a magnetic position sensor IC that combines a Hall magnetic front end, an ADC, on-chip digital signal processing with zero latency, and multiple output drivers. The device uses the most recent advancement in Melexis Triaxis technology, bringing its expertise in magnetic positional sensing into high-speed encoder devices. By detecting the three components of the magnetic flux density (Bx, By, and Bz) and measuring the differential magnetic field in the Z-axis, the device allows precise tracking of absolute angle position and speed. It can achieve speeds of up to 200,000rpm and has a stray-field immunity of 360o up to 4kA/m.

Helping to overcome typical assembly challenges associated with complex motor-driven applications, the device provides the convenience of on and off-axis mounting. This allows the IC to support hollow shaft applications, allowing the passage of wiring looms or other components through the shaft without affecting encoder feedback – removing some design complexity and driving innovation.

The device is available in a compact, RoHS compliant, single-die 4mm x 4mm2 QFN-24, supporting 5V and 3.3V applications. Reliability is ensured with both variants featuring AEC-Q100 (Grade 0) qualification. Also, the on-axis configuration supports safety standards with SIL2 integrations.

The device provides five different output modes designed to serve various applications. These consist of an industry-standard differential ABI/UVW interface for incremental angular output, an emulation of UVW signals typically used in BLDC motors, a PWM interface, and configurable SPI and SSI interfaces. Operating across a wide temperature range of -40C to 150C, this sensor is excellent for demanding environments.

“With the MLX90382, we have taken the value of Melexis Triaxis technology and applied it to magnetic rotary encoders,” said Atanas Dikov, regional marketing manager at Melexis. “This exciting addition to our lineup will help to drive innovation across a wide variety of robotic and motor-driven applications, offering accurate and reliable operation for years to come.”

The MLX90382 is available now and supported by a comprehensive evaluation kit to facilitate a streamlined development process.