Stray field immunity in new magnetic position sensing IC for vehicle electrification

Melexis has expanded its magnetic sensing IC range with a Dual Mould Package (DMP) variant of the MLX90425. Maintaining packaging consistency with the established MLX90364 and MLX90421 ICs, this new device delivers a straightforward upgrade path for automotive Tier 1 suppliers and OEMs needing 360° magnetic rotary detection with stray field immunity (SFI).

The company's existing DMP MLX90364 and MLX90421 have shown a strong history of success in ICE vehicles, supplying precise position feedback for throttle position, EGR, transmission position, and other actuator or movement feedback systems. However, for manufacturers transitioning from existing ICE-powered vehicles to more sustainable high-voltage hybrid powertrains, the added electronic elements demand robust SFI to provide accurate sensing feedback from magnetic sensing ICs.

By employing the established DMP design and PIN layout of the previous ICs, the MLX90425 offers the company's latest magnetic position sensing technology in a legacy package. This provides the automotive market with a seamless and highly cost-effective path free from substantial redesigns of assemblies or tooling.

Built around the company's innovative magnetic technology, the IC provides highly robust magnetic flux measurement, featuring 5mT SFI and a programmable linear transfer function with up to 17 points. System integration is simplified by the device's wide operating temperature range of -40C to 160C and versatile data output options, including analog ratiometric and PWM signals. Furthermore, the device complies with ISO 26262 as an ASIL B Safety Element out of Context (SEooC), making it ideal for demanding, safety-critical automotive applications.

"To promote greater sustainability across all areas of the automotive market, the industry requires innovative solutions that can enable the creation of new cost-effective high-voltage hybrid powertrains," said Klaus Wilczek, global marketing manager at Melexis. He continued: "The MLX90425 demonstrates our dedication to both our customers and product designs, offering engineers cutting-edge SFI magnetic sensing in a familiar package, removing the need for expensive redesigns and retooling."