Melexis introduces inductive sensor chips with outstanding accuracy

     Melexis has announced the introduction of the MLX90513, an inductive sensor chip with outstanding precision, designed for automotive pedal and steering applications. Thanks to the MLX90513, this superior performance is no longer limited to a few applications. This sensor interface chip is ASIL C rated and features on-chip digital signal processing for enhanced zero-latency performance.

     The MLX90513, a new position sensor chip from Melexis, offers full scale accuracy of ±0.1% (±0.36° in a rotary implementation in the 360° range). In addition, its latency of less than 20μs can be programmed to zero, which means that fast control loops can be achieved, ensuring superior system responsiveness. This inductor-based standard product offers natural immunity to stray electromagnetic fields (as required by ISO 11452-8). At the same time, the sensitivity of the sensor chip is not affected by thermal drift.

     The output of the sensor chip is configurable to allow the position sensing data to be transmitted as a proportional analog signal, PWM, SENT or SPC signal. As a result, it can accommodate output protocols related to many different application standards. The MLX90513 is the market leading inductive position sensor chip with SPC output. Another major advantage of this product is the 0.5µs tick time (fast SENT or SPC) function, which has not been previously available in the market for inductive position sensor chips. In addition, the ability to achieve pulse shaping in PWM, SENT, and SPC modes is also important, as it helps to reduce electromagnetic radiation.

     The MLX90513 comes in a compact TSOP-16 package with an operating temperature range of -40 ° C to +160 ° C for installation in challenging application environments. The three-phase coil layout improves linearity due to the use of harmonic filtering. The 32-point linearization of the device helps to correct angular nonlinear errors. Overvoltage and reverse polarity protection further ensure the robustness of its operation. Due to the use of inductance measurement methods, system implementation is greatly simplified and integration is easier.

     Taking into account the importance of functional safety (ISO 26262), the sensor chip supports system integration up to ASIL D level. In addition, the MLX90513 can be used with Melexis's magnetic sensor chip to achieve system redundancy, as these devices do not interfere with each other (i.e., do not generate crosstalk). "Tier 1 suppliers want to be able to use high-precision position sensing technology." "Thanks to our MLX90513 device, our inductive position sensing solution can reach more users," notes Lorenzo Lugani, product manager for inductive sensor chips at Melexis.