Melexis MLX90374——Gen III Triaxis® Rotary and Linear Position Sensor IC with Dual Output

The MLX90374 is a third generation Triaxis® position sensor IC. Thanks to an integrated magnetic concentrator (IMC) on its surface, the monolithic device senses, in a contactless fashion, the three spatial components (i.e. Bx, By and Bz) of the applied magnetic field allowing for the determination of rotary or linear movement.

The MLX90374 distinguishes itself by offering, for the first time in a Triaxis® sensor, a stray field immune mode for rotary and linear motion sensing. This mode eliminates or drastically reduces the effects that undesired magnetic fields, from another magnet or from current carrying conductors, can have on the system. For rotary motion a range of 180 degrees is obtained with a four-pole magnet while linear motion up to 25mm or more can be obtained with a two-pole magnet.

The MLX90374 is also backwards compatible with the previous Triaxis® generations allowing for the traditional two-pole magnet with 360-degree rotational measurement capability to be used or greater than 25mm linear motion in the same device but without immunity to stray fields.

The MLX90374 is offered as an ASIL-C SEooC (Safety Element out of Context - ISO 26262) component. Contact MELEXIS to obtain a copy of the MLX90374 safety manual which details the relevant system integration requirements.

The output transfer characteristic is fully programmable with up to 32 calibration points to match any specific requirement through end-of-line programming at module assembly. The Melexis programming unit PTC-04 communicates and calibrates the device exclusively through the connector terminals (Vdd-Vss-Out).

The MLX90374 also brings the ability to read an external input. This could be a signal from a temperature sensor, pressure sensor, or another position sensor. The value is measured, linearized (optional), and then encoded for transmission on the SENT bus alongside the angular measurement value allowing for reduction of wire count and better integration of sensors.

The MLX90374 targets and is used in a myriad of non-contacting rotary position sensor applications which are frequently seen in automotive and industrial systems such as transmission range sensors, integral mode switches, and brake travel pedal sensors. The device is available in surface mount and PCB-less packages to cost-effectively address the full range of applications, including safety critical sensing requirements.

Features and benefits

Robustness against stray field;

PCB-less DMP-4 package (RoHS);

ISO26262 ASIL-C Safety Element out of Context (SEooC);

On-chip signal processing for robust absolute position sensing;

Triaxis® Hall technology;

AEC-Q100 qualified;

Programmable measurement range;

Programmable linear transfer characteristic (4 or 8 multi-points or 16 or 32 PWL);

PWM redundant dual output;

SENT and programmable switch dual output;

SAE J2716 APR2016 SENT;

Enhanced serial data communication;

48-bit ID number option;

Single die - SOIC-8 package (RoHS);

Programmable with the PTC-04 and the PTC04-DB-HALL06 daughterboard.