Compact 3D magnetometer is low voltage for consumer applications
White goods, consumer electronics and smart metering applications can benefit from the MLX90392 three-axis magnetic field sensor, says Melexis. It can operate from a 1.8V power rail shared with other components, e.g. logic devices.
The magnetic field sensor does not require a dedicated LDO or regulator. According to Melexis, it not only simplifies design, reduces bill of materials costs but at 2.0 x 2.5 x 0.4mm, saves PCB space.
The sensor has a UTDFN-8, thin, no-lead eight-pin package to help designers tackle space-constrained applications. A 1.5 microA power-down mode helps save energy and maximise runtime in battery-powered applications.
The sensor also has an integrated thermal sensor I2C communication protocol, enabling the sensor to place 16-bit position measurements in X, Y, Z axes, and temperature, onto the I2C bus operating at up to 1MHz.
The sensor is based on the company’s patented Triaxis Hall technology, claimed to deliver low noise and best-in-class accuracy.
Melexis offers two variants, with ±50 mT and ±5 mT full-scale range. The ±50 mT range is optimal for position measurement in human machine interface (HMI) applications, door-closure detection in white goods and access control systems, anti-tamper for smart meters, and contactless joysticks. They save the power dissipated by traditional position sensing with potentiometers.
For position sensing, which requires a small magnetic range, and for precise position measurement where noise is a critical design parameter, the ±5 mT variant has sensitivity of 0.15 microT/LSB and typical RMS noise down to 0.3 microT.
Both devices support single-measurement and continuous-measurement modes. There is also self-test status, data-ready, and magnetic sensor-overflow indication for diagnostics.
Melexis designs, develops and delivers micro-electronic products with a portfolio of mixed-signal semiconductor sensor and actuator components to address the challenges of integrating sensing, driving and communication into next-generation products and systems that improve safety, raise efficiency, support sustainability and enhance comfort.
Melexis sensing solutions include magnetic sensors, MEMS sensors (pressure, TPMS, infrared), sensor interface ICs, optoelectronic single point and linear array sensors and time of flight. The company’s driver IC portfolio incorporates DC and BLDC motor controllers, LED drivers and FET pre-driver ICs.
The company is headquartered in Belgium.
