Melexis launches a more compact fully integrated LIN driver chip

    In a compact QFN24 package (4 mm) × Provide 48 KB of memory within 4 mm for driving cost-effective relay controlled DC motor applications

    Melexis, a global microelectronics engineering company, announced today the launch of a new LIN pre drive chip MLX81160 for relay controlled DC motor applications. This chip is the latest member of the Melexis third-generation compatible embedded motor driver chip series, which combines the advantages of high power, compact design, and high cost-effectiveness. This product provides 48 KB of memory (16 KB ROM for built-in LIN protocol, 32 KB flash for application software), making it very suitable for applications such as window regulators.

    To consolidate its position in the field of motor drive applications that enhance automotive comfort, Melexis has launched a pre drive chip MLX81160 based on LIN. This chip utilizes high voltage insulator on silicon (SOI) technology and exhibits excellent robustness in 12 V and 24 V applications.

    This device is a successor to Melexis‘s widely used LIN slave device MLX81150 for relay and DC motor control. It is mainly used in window lifters and sunroof adjusters with relay controlled DC motors, as well as small DC motors with external PN-MOSFET power regulation function.

    The MLX81160 complies with the AEC-Q100 standard and integrates all necessary functional elements for motor drive in a single chip, including a LIN interface, an embedded microcontroller unit, 6 PWM drivers, 3 high-voltage I/O, and more.

    Additional I/O is used to connect a dedicated 4-wire latch for motor indexing. Melexis will soon launch a new 4-wire latch MLX92352, whose innovative features will greatly enhance application flexibility. Paired with MLX81160, it will form a complete sensing and driving solution.

    The MLX81160 adopts a compact 4 mm design × 4mm QFN24 package. When applied to advanced mechatronics applications, this chip can be integrated into extremely compact PCBs.

    In addition to improving performance and reducing costs, as well as being extremely compact in size, the MLX81160 also has many other important advantages. For example, faster programming speed (for 32 KB flash memory, programming can be completed in 2.5 seconds) and meeting ASIL B-level functional safety requirements. In addition, the dual current detection function supports ripple counting and can drive multiple DC motors simultaneously.

    "The MLX81160 has a high cost performance ratio, and with this product, our Tier 1 customers can develop highly competitive mechatronic systems for their automotive OEM partners. It brings digital interface advantages to price sensitive DC motors, such as window regulators in mid-range cars." Marc Lambrechts, Product Line Manager for Melexis Embedded Motor Driver Chips, said: "Our experienced team of embedded application engineers can fully support customers in completing the correct design of projects in one go and assist in advancing faster project completion."