Melexis introduces the MLX90412GLW single-coil pump/fan IC with integrated controller stage. It is designed for applications with high ambient temperatures, such as automotive water pumps. The MLX90412GLW drives pumps up to 15W in internal combustion engines (ICEs). This typically implies a maximum operating ambient temperature of up to 135°C. Water pumps up to 20W can be driven within the maximum ambient temperature of 85°C for electric vehicles (EVs).
The MLX90412GLW is qualified to meet the growing demand for extended service life, reaching up to 15,000 hours in EV applications such as battery cooling.
The MLX90412GLW, a single-coil automotive motor controller, includes all the latest protections. Single-coil water pumps based on Hall sensors are well-known for their robust starting performance.
With the MLX90412GLW, pump manufacturers can offer a comprehensive portfolio of water pump solutions. It can be configured with a range of BLDC switching options, from sine wave mode, which offers the lowest noise performance—ideal for electric vehicles—to low EMI mode for ON/OFF applications requiring minimal external EMI filter components.
Furthermore, the MLX90412GLW can operate basic two-wire pumps with ON/OFF functionality. It can also operate variable-speed pumps via a PWM interface with diagnostic feedback on a four-wire pump. Finally, it can be complemented with the Melexis MLX81113 LIN MCU gateway to operate LIN-based three-wire water pumps.
The high degree of integration of the MLX90412GLW requires significantly fewer external components than traditional solutions currently available on the market. Prototyping is very fast thanks to the graphical user interface, which allows configuration of all available options. Complete development can be carried out without any motor control software, enabling rapid validation and time to market with minimal engineering resources.
“We are proud to offer a versatile, one-stop-shop solution for a complete portfolio of 20W water pumps. Moreover, it is future-proof, meeting demanding service life requirements, for example, for battery cooling in electric vehicles,” explains Dirk Leman, Director of the Smart Drivers product line at Melexis. “This device saves space, reduces bill of materials costs, and shortens development time.”.
