Melexis enables code-free three-phase fan design with intuitive motor driver
Melexis has announced the MLX80339, a code-free three-phase fan driver integrated circuit designed to bring efficient, low-noise motor control to the global market. Featuring pre-validated logic configurable via an intuitive interface, the code-free MLX80339 enables rapid deployment of BLDC motor control without the overhead of software development.
Designers of compact sensorless motor systems across mass-market consumer, industrial, and automotive markets are under increasing pressure to improve efficiency, acoustic performance, and reliability while keeping cost and development effort under control. Entry-level solutions based on single-coil drivers remain common due to their low cost but can compromise efficiency and noise performance. Three-phase solutions deliver results yet have traditionally required complex integration and longer development cycles.
The MLX80339 bridges this gap, providing the performance advantages of three-phase motor control in a cost-effective and easy-to-use integration model. As part of Melexis’ growing family of code-free IC solutions, the device embeds configurable motor control logic directly on-chip, allowing engineers to configure and design their application without specialized expertise.
The code-free configuration and supporting Start-to-Run tool drastically shorten motor driver prototyping, allowing designs to be operational in less than 15 minutes when used with the evaluation kit and Melexis Compact Master. This intuitive ecosystem generates the required configuration parameters for robust motor startup and operation, replacing significant engineering tasks with simple user inputs. As the motor behaviour logic is pre-characterised and validated by Melexis, engineers need only carry out final application-specific system validation, further expediting time to market.
Designed for sensorless and quiet operation, the MLX80339 supports control up to 20 W at 12 V and 40 W at 24 V, with a configurable current limit up to 3 A and integrated under- and overvoltage, overcurrent, and over-temperature protection to ensure reliable operation. The compact SO8-EP package is optimised for small fan applications such as cooling fans, ceiling fans, and automotive seat ventilation, while also covering small motors, actuators, pumps, and related systems. A wide supply voltage range of 6 V to 26 V and an operating temperature range of −40 °C to 125 °C, with junction temperatures up to 150 °C, further ease system integration.
The MLX80339 supports legacy PWM-based fan control for straightforward drop-in replacement, while also offering digital interfaces such as UART and I²C for customers who require additional diagnostics or multi-fan coordination. This allows designers to adopt more advanced control concepts where needed without sacrificing simplicity for mainstream designs.
By removing system complexity, the MLX80339 also enables access through new distribution channels and supports lower-volume projects that were previously impractical with three-phase embedded motor drivers.
