Melexis Introduces PCB-Less Hall-Effect Latch for Seat Motor Positioning in Automotive Applications


Melexis, a global microelectronics engineering company, is pleased to introduce the MLX92223, a PCB-less 2-Wire Hall-Effect Latch with integrated passives (392Ω resistor and decoupling capacitor), making it compatible with industry-standard Electronic Control Units (ECUs) without the need for any additional external components.

As automotive manufacturers increasingly adopt motorised seat adjustment it becomes more necessary to accurately detect the position of the seat. The MLX92223 integrates the additional passive components normally needed to interface Hall-Effect latches to ECUs. This level of integration removes the need for the sensor to be mounted on a PCB, which in turn enables smaller solutions, allowing OEMs to integrate latches and modules even where space is restricted, to further increase customer comfort and safety.

The magnetic core used by Melexis features advanced offset cancellation with a programmable temperature coefficient, allowing the MLX92223 to compensate for magnets that may exhibit variation over temperature. Integrating an emulated supply resistor means OEMs aren’t required to add an external series resistor that would normally be required, while the addition of the decoupling capacitor enables the MLX92223 to deliver superior EMC and ESD performance over its competition. The MLX92223 also includes a voltage regulator and current sink configured output. Other features include reverse supply voltage protection with advanced thermal management to limit the current if the junction temperature exceeds the protection threshold.

Commenting on the new product release Dieter Verstreken, Product Line Manager, said: “The MLX92223 is designed to meet the requirements of automotive manufacturers implementing seat position sensors for driver and passenger safety and comfort. Accurate detection of the seat position can be used by ECUs to adjust safety features such as air bag deployment or seatbelt tensioning. The MLX92223 represents a significant improvement in seat position monitoring and is also applicable to other consumer and industrial applications.”

The MLX92223 is available in a TO-92-3L package and operates over an extended temperature range of -40°C to +150°C.

About Melexis

Combining a passion for technology with truly inspired engineering, Melexis designs, develops and delivers innovative micro-electronic solutions that enable designers to turn ideas into applications that support the best imaginable future. The company’s advanced mixed-signal semiconductor sensor and actuator components 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.

A world leader in automotive semiconductor sensors, Melexis has used its core experience in creating chips for vehicle electronics to expand its portfolio of sensors, driver ICs and wireless devices to also meet the needs of smart appliances, home automation, industrial and medical applications. 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 advanced DC & BLDC motor controllers, LED drivers and FET pre-driver ICs, while Melexis has the know-how and expertise to build bridges between components, allowing them to communicate in a clear and fast way, whether wired (e.g. LIN, SENT) or wireless (RKE, RFID).

Melexis is headquartered in Belgium and employs over 1,500 people in 19 locations worldwide. The company is publicly traded on Euronext Brussels (MELE).

For more information, visit www.melexis.com


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