There is a growing demand for sensors that provide high-precision position feedback while overcoming the limitations or challenges of optical encoders and magnetic-based solutions. These applications require compact form factors, seamless integration, low-latency response, and resilience to environmental stressors, posing a significant challenge to the performance and scalability of established optical or magnetic solutions. The MLX90514 addresses these challenges with its non-contact inductive measurement principle, delivering stable and repeatable performance in demanding operating environments.
Its dual-input architecture simultaneously processes signals from two sets of coils to calculate vernier angles on the chip. In practical applications, such as measuring the input and output positions of a motor in electric bicycles, motorcycles, or robotic joints, this architecture consolidates position sensing onto a single integrated circuit, reducing external circuitry, ensuring synchronized measurements, and supporting greater functional reliability. The MLX90514 operates on a 5V supply voltage and can be used in a wide range of designs, enabling measurements of both rotary and linear applications. It supports coil diameters from 20 mm to 300 mm and linear displacements up to 400 mm. The device provides position resolution of up to 16 bits and offers latency-free measurements with an accuracy better than 0.1°, ensuring precise control in demanding environments. The setup is facilitated by a plug-and-play approach, requiring engineers to program only a limited set of parameters, specifically offset compensation and linearization, enabling quick and reliable implementation with minimal system integration effort.
For engineers, the MLX90514 offers a compact, fully integrated position sensing solution. Its inductive measurement principle operates without a permanent magnet, reducing design effort and supply chain considerations associated with sourcing and integrating magnets, while its PCB-based coil design simplifies assembly and lowers costs. Compared to optical solutions, the sensor is highly resistant to dust, mechanical wear, and contamination. With all signal processing performed on the chip and a design that minimizes board space and bill of materials (BoM), the MLX90514 enables more reliable and scalable deployments in robotics, industrial, and mobility applications.
To further assist engineers, Melexis offers a free online Inductive Simulator that allows users to design and optimize coil layouts for the MLX90514. Access to this tool can be requested directly from your local Melexis sales representative.
