Melexis re-invents programmable linear Hall sensor…
July 24, 2003 - Ieper, Belgium
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In 1995, Melexis has kicked off a new era in the contactless (no wear out) position sensing by introducing the first monolithic programmable linear Hall sensor.
By that time, alternate solutions for position sensing were based either on contacting resistive potentiometers or on complex contactless constructions (e.g. discrete Hall element combined with an interface IC and laser trimmed resistors for offset and gain settings, inductive solutions based on variable differential transformer,...).
In combination with an appropriate magnetic circuit, a programmable linear Hall sensor simplifies the realization of any rotary or linear position sensor.
The programmable linear Hall sensor can actually compensate all the system tolerances (mechanical, magnetic, electrical and thermal) thanks to an end-of-line calibration that is performed through the conventional connections of the IC.
Melexis has recently introduced the MLX90251. This new product generation extends all the programming possibilities for more versatility by using EEPROM. The Voq (output voltage when no field is applied), sensitivity (gain), direction of slope, the magnitude of sensitivity drift over temperature (sensitivity temperature coefficient – 1st & 2nd order), the clamping levels, the thermal Voq drift and the bandwidth, are all programmable.
The linear ratiometric analog output voltage is proportional to the applied magnetic flux density and supply voltage. The MLX90251 has a very stable thermal compensation for both the sensitivity and the Voq over a broad temperature range. The MLX90251 provides also a unique ID number to the user for manufacturing traceability.
Melexis has developed the programming unit (PTC-03) to handle the in situ calibration of the MLX90251.
The programmable linear Hall sensors can be used as the basic sensing part for any rotary or linear contactless position sensor. Automotive applications are: pedal position sensor, throttle position sensor, ride-height sensor, level sensor… It can also be used for current sensing in combination with a slotted toroïd.
The IC is packaged into a thin leaded housing (4-SIP-VA) suitable for any magnetic construction.
The datasheets of the MLX90251 and PTC03 can be downloaded from the Melexis official website:
http://www.melexis.com/prodfiles/mlx90251.pdf
http://www.melexis.com/prodfiles/PTC03_manual.pdf
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About Melexis
Melexis Microelectronic Integrated Systems N.V. (Euronext Brussels: MELE) designs, develops, tests and markets advanced integrated semiconductor devices for the automotive industry. The company sells its products to a wide customer base of Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEM’s) of automotive equipment in Europe and North America. Melexis’ main products are automotive microcontrollers, Hall (magnetic) sensor ICs, interface ICs for pressure and acceleration sensors, integrated silicon pressure sensor chips, application specific integrated circuits (ASICS) and contactless identification ICs (known as tags), in each case principally for automotive applications. Melexis is a technological leader in the design and development of Hall sensor ICs. A wide range of magnetic sensor ICs is offered by the company for applications such as position sensing, dented wheel position sensing, electronic motor speed regulation and antilock braking system (ABS). ICs for automotive sensors form the largest part of Melexis’ sales.
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| Description |
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MLX90215
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Precision Programmable Linear Hall IC
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MLX90251
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Programmable Linear Hall Effect Sensor
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For Further Information
Please Contact:
Tanguy Scorpati
Marketing Communications
+32 13 67 07 95
tas@melexis.com
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