Current sensing plays a vital role in critical vehicle functions, such as battery management systems (BMS), smart fuses, and high-voltage charging systems. Therefore, ensuring a high level of functional safety is essential. Thanks to Melexis, the burden of designing ASIL C(D) systems has been eliminated with the new qualification of the Melexis MLX91230 and MLX91231 smart devices.

Both devices integrate a wide range of intelligent functions, including a microcontroller unit (MCU) with integrated flash memory that supports custom software implementation and extensive compensation for system imperfections. The diagnosable OCD allows direct input to the pyrofuse controller, enabling the simple deployment of smart pyrofuses with fewer components. Furthermore, ASIL C safety level is applied to the current sensing function and the OCD, as well as to the additional temperature and voltage measurement channels. The selectable LIN or UART output allows integration with 12V battery applications and power distribution modules, as well as direct communication with a BMS or UART-over-CAN.

"In the automotive world, functional safety is a fundamental requirement, but meeting ASIL C standards can be a considerable undertaking," says Bruno Boury, Product Line Manager at Melexis. "By achieving ASIL C compliance for both the MLX91230 and MLX91231, we are enhancing already highly precise and feature-rich solutions, while making it easier for engineers to achieve higher levels of functional safety."