Melexis sets a new reference for safe and stray field robust magnetic sensors
Melexis expands its innovative Triaxis magnetic sensing integrated circuit (IC) range with stacked dual-die variants of the MLX90425 and MLX90426. Featuring a 5 mT stray field immunity (SFI) and 360° rotary detection of the magnet, these ICs support safety requirements for steering wheel and accelerator pedal position sensing, enabling a higher level of autonomous driving.
The push for higher vehicle autonomy creates a demand for increased electrification and “by-wire” systems that are capable of replacing traditional mechanically linked systems. By-wire designs, especially for steering, throttle, and braking purposes, require reliable sensing with built-in redundancy. This redundancy is essential to ensure the functional safety and availability of these critical systems. Furthermore, for the expanding electric vehicle (EV) market, it is vital to have immunity to stray field effects to guarantee accurate measurements.
To support this push for increased autonomy, safety and electrification, Melexis has added two variants of its already successful 360° rotary stray field robust MLX90425 and MLX90426. These features include a novel dual-die design, which combines two integrated circuits (ICs) in a single TSSOP-16 (SMD) or SMP-4 (PCB-less) package. These innovations are ASIL C and enable up to ISO 26262 ASIL D system-level integration, ensuring the automotive sector’s growing safety demands are met head on. In comparison to a discrete dual solution, both the MLX90425 and MLX90426 provide enhanced integrations. Both ICs offer highly accurate operation and feature a 5mT stray field immunity, providing exceptional reliability and a tailored specification designed to contribute to the creation of cost-effective end solutions.
At the core of both ICs is Melexis’ magnetic technology capable of robust measurement of the magnetic flux in a single integrated circuit. Both products feature a programmable linear transfer characteristic with up to 17 points and a wide operating temperature of -40°C to 160° which is well suited to automotive applications. Where the devices differ is in their output protocol. The MLX90425 features an analog ratiometric or PWM output, while the MLX90426 is equipped with a digital SENT output.
