Melexis introduced pre-drive chips MLX81340 and MLX81344 to realize the miniaturization of 500W electromechanical modules based on LIN

     Melexis announced the launch of the MLX81340 and MLX81344, the new LIN BLDC motor predriver chip solutions for automotive electromechanical applications, which combine the advantages of small size, high performance and high power. MLX81340 (32KB flash memory) and MLX81344 (64KB flash memory) have built-in high-side and low-side drives with three channels. Can control external NFET up to 60nC capacitance, handling power up to 500W applications.

     The MLX81340 and MLX81344 pre-drive chips from Melexis further extend the single-chip third-generation LIN motor driver product line. The new chip integrates the LIN communication interface, high and low side drivers, and provides a protection mechanism for external power FETs. The MLX81340 and MLX81344 come in pin compatible 4mm x 4mm QFN24 and 5mm x 5mm QFN32 packages, contributing to a significant reduction in PCB size.

     "Our LIN family of driver chips provides tailor-made solutions for applications with less than 10W power and up to 1000W. "These products use a single chip integration solution to save space, simplify design and improve reliability." Marc Lambrechts, product line manager for embedded motor drives at Melexis. "Our innovative driver chips offer the perfect balance of price and performance across a wide range of applications, helping customers create functional and competitive mechatronics solutions."

     Both chips are powered by Melexis' high-voltage SOI technology and integrate analog and digital circuits with a driver stage that contains high-side and low-side drivers, charge pumps, voltage monitors and current detection to protect the external FETs. The chip is equipped with LIN controller and physical layer, PWM generator and diagnostic and watchdog functions for smooth and quiet field oriented control (FOC) of BLDC motor. The MLX81340 and MLX81344 were developed according to ISO26262 and meet the SEooC (Independent Safety Unit) ASIL-B to perform appropriate safety diagnostics and safe operations for demanding applications.

     Melexis provides technical support to developers using MLX81340 and MLX81344, including the complete LIN software communication protocol stack and application code samples so users can quickly start evaluating their mechronics prototypes. These examples bring together Melexis' extensive experience in sensorless motor drives (Trusense™) and FOC to help users achieve efficient, low-noise operations.