Strengthening its position in motor control for automotive comfort applications, Melexis has just introduced the MLX81160. Leveraging high-voltage silicon-on-insulator (SOI) technology, this LIN-based pre-driver offers robust operation for 12V and 24V applications.
This device is the successor to the company's widely deployed MLX81150 LIN slave device for controlling relays and DC motors. Key applications include power windows and sunroof drives with relay-controlled DC motors, as well as small DC motor applications with external PN-MOSFET power regulation.
The AEC-Q100 certified MLX81160 incorporates all the essential functional elements for motor control onto a single chip. These include a LIN interface, an embedded microcontroller unit, six PWM drivers, three high-voltage I/O pins, and much more. Additional I/O allows for the connection of a dedicated 4-wire latch for motor timing. Melexis will soon release a new 4-wire latch: the innovative features of the MLX92352 will provide maximum flexibility. Together with the MLX81160, it forms a complete Sense & Drive solution.
The MLX81160 is embedded in a compact 4 mm x 4 mm QFN24 package. It fits on the smallest printed circuit boards when used for cutting-edge mechatronics.
In addition to enabling performance improvements, reducing costs, and having the smallest dimensions, the MLX81160 offers other significant advantages. These include faster programming (with a 32 KB Flash completed in <2.5 seconds) and ASIL B functional safety capabilities. Furthermore, the dual current detection function allows for ripple counting and the drive of multiple DC motors.
"The price and performance characteristics of the MLX81160 enable our premium customers to develop competitive mechatronic systems for their automotive manufacturing partners. It brings the advantages of a digital interface to price-sensitive DC motors, such as mid-range power windows." Marc Lambrechts, product line manager for embedded motor controllers at Melexis, explains: "Our team of experienced embedded application engineers is available to implement the right design the first time and expedite project completion."
