Melexis pushes the limits of performance with a new miniature 3D magnetometer

     Melexis announced the launch of the Triaxis micropower magnetometer MLX90394. This is a miniature sensor based on the Hall effect, which perfectly achieves the balance between low noise, low current consumption and cost. The product features an instant selectable mode and advanced configurability for excellent reusability and faster time-to-market. This contactless solution is suitable for rotary, linear and 3D joystick control in gaming and industrial peripherals.

     The MLX90394 replaces traditional mechanical solutions, providing a simpler, more flexible and highly reliable solution and overcoming the problems inherent in traditional potentiometers, such as contamination of the surface of the potentiometer vernier and packaging limitations. The versatile magnetometer can be deployed in linear, rotary, joystick and button operation, replacing a large number of existing components to simplify the supply chain and achieve higher economic efficiency. In addition, the product is highly flexible (configuration changes can be made in the future) and has a non-contact design, allowing it to operate longer than potentiometers and contact switches. The MLX90394 also features an ultra-thin and small design (2 x 1.5 x 0.4mm), which helps create a more stylish HMI.

     The architecture of the MLX90394 offers several advantages over existing solutions on the market. The design measures and outputs each magnetic axis individually and has a built-in temperature sensor to provide additional digital signal processing (DSP) compensation through selectable temperature measurements. The data output for temperature and position is 16-bit resolution, and the I2C interface pins support 0.1MHz, 0.4MHz, and 1.0MHz modes. There are two I2C addresses inside the product, which can be selected by changing the electrical pin connection.

     At the core of the product is Melexis' unique Triaxis technology, an innovation that helps deliver low noise (< 9μT) independent 3-axis  measurement. In 10Hz single measurement mode, the average current consumption is only 4μA for X-axis or Y-axis measurements and only 5μA for Z-axis measurements. When the microcontroller is in deep sleep mode and consumes little, the chip consumes current. 10μA, helping to reduce system power consumption. The Wake up on Change (WOC) function can be quickly resumed by pulsing or latching hardware pin interrupts (XYZ). The WOC threshold can be configured for initial measurements (static increments), for prior measurements (dynamic increments), or for predefined measurements (absolute). Therefore, in high motion applications and slow drift motion applications, the product is able to accurately transition from power off mode to active mode.

     The embedded design enables easy integration and accurate tracking of rotating joystick motion and press/slide button applications. The product is available in two compact UTDFN-6 (LD) package designs that support different measurement ranges: ±5mT (0.15μT/LSB) and ±50mT (1.5μT/LSB). All of its models are RoHS certified and suitable for operating in ambient temperature ranges from -40 ° C to 105 ° C, with a supply voltage range between 1.7V and 3.6V, making them ideal for most embedded and iot electronic environments.

     "The MLX90394 offers great value and excellent performance for a very wide range of applications. "Whether engineers are developing computer peripherals, industrial cylinders, or smart appliance controls, this optimized and flexible chip will deliver long-term performance that is not possible with existing potentiometers, mechanical switches, and sliders." Minko Daskalov, Melexis Product Manager, commented, "Its compact package and superior efficiency allow for greater design freedom and integration, enabling new and innovative solutions for customers."