Melexis introduces automotive-grade 3D Hall effect sensors

     Melexis announced the MLX90395 Triaxis magnetometer node, an automotive-grade (AEC-Q100) single-chip sensor IC that utilizes the Hall effect to provide 3D contactless sensing. The MLX90395 dual bare chip version enables redundancy and is suitable for demanding scenarios, such as shift lever position sensing in automotive applications.

    The MLX90395's functionality is defined by the system processor, rather than hardwired to the device itself. In terms of suitability for position sensing, the MLX90395 is virtually free of any range limitations and offers both I2C and SPI interfaces for easy integration in automotive or industrial control environments. The medium magnetic field (50 mT) and high magnetic field (120 mT) versions are available in three package options: SOIC-8, TSOP-16 (dual bare metal for redundancy), and QFN-16 (with tin-dip side plating). All package options are AEC-Q100 certified for a wide temperature range (-40°C to 125°C) and RoHS compliant.

     The optional digital output provides 16-bit resolution for X, Y, and Z magnetic field measurements, enabling the host processor, DSP, microcontroller, or digital signal controller to decode the absolute position of the magnet as it passes through the sensor IC.Thanks to Melexis' Triaxis technology, the MLX90395 is smaller and more energy efficient than other Hall-effect sensor ics. This innovative proprietary technology helps achieve industry-leading low power levels with reactive current of 1.4 μA, standby current of 2.4 μA, and supply current of 4 mA or less.

     In addition to a magnetic field sensor that measures three magnetic fields (Bx, By, Bz), the MLX90395 also integrates a temperature sensor and a power supply voltage monitor. Functionally, the sensor IC has three state machines and operates in one of three modes: single measurement mode, burst mode, and wake up on change mode. Engineers can select the magnetic field and measurement frequency to be measured, further fine-tuning the energy efficiency of the sensor IC as well as filtering and sampling times to optimize noise and bandwidth.

     "The MLX90395 represents a new approach to position sensing for the automotive and industrial markets, redefining the design approach for a wide range of applications in HMI, top column, center panel and body control." Nick Czarnecki, global Marketing Manager for position Sensor ics at Melexis, said, "The MLX90395 offers the advantages of high sensitivity and versatility, combined with low power consumption and small size. Now, automakers can take advantage of a 3D magnetic node sensing solution that meets vehicle specifications."

     During operation, the mode of operation can be defined and selected via an I2C or SPI interface so that multiple sensor ics form a cluster of sensor ics controlled by a single microcontroller. In addition, bus protocols (SPI or I2C) are also available, with SPI operating at up to 10 MHz and I2C operating at up to 1 MHz. During the manufacturing process, each sensor IC is assigned a unique 48-bit ID number with additional available space for storing customer traceability information.