Melexis unveils revolutionary floating switches based on Hall-effect and SOI technology!
Why “revolutionary” floating switches?
Melexis has unveiled a tiny, contactless and programmable IC that delivers failure-free assembly of solutions for liquid level measurement. Based on Triaxis® technology, the MLX92362 and MLX92361 are patented floating switches that deliver continuous level sensing.
Providing better assembly yield and reliability in fluid level measurements, Melexis introduces a unique plug-and-play magnetic switch. The isolated floating output of the MLX92362 only requires power to directly drive the load. Other features? Guarantee of hassle-free assembly thanks to CMOS testability. Solder reflow and contactless operation. Synchronization of a series of ICs via the same 3-wire interface.
Furthermore, programmability allows customers to fine-tune their modules. As a result, they can optimize them for a specific application. On one hand, Melexis can factory trim MLX92361. On the other hand, customers can adjust MLX92362 at the customer’s End of Line.
A replacement for reed switches
The new Hall switch devices directly replace reed switches, without the need for implementation changes or additional wiring. They have much smaller dimensions compared to reed switches, providing a 5x reduction in form factor. Without moving parts, these solid-state components offer greater reliability and longer working lifespans. They eliminate mechanical wear and tear issues. Moreover, they remove the high failure rates that reed switches often exhibit during module assembly.
The MLX92362 and MLX92361 both feature fully isolated output for direct load driving, with currents up to 100 mA being switched. These switches offer a high supply rail versatility with a 4.5 V to 28 V voltage range. Additionally, there’s the possibility to connect multiple sensors in a single module and synchronized via the built-in daisy-chain functionality.
More details
Melexis houses both the MLX92362 and MLX92361 in 6-lead TSOT packages. Their surface mount format simplifies the assembly process through reflow soldering. They support an operational temperature range of -40°C to 150°C.
Samples and an affordable development programming tool are available now. More details on these Hall switch devices can be found at www.melexis.com/MLX92362
Statement from Melexis
“The MLX92362 and MLX92361 once again highlight our leadership in magnetic sensor technology, obsoleting mechanical or reed switches for level sensing. Our customers benefit from better quality when implementing liquid level measurement or contactless load switching,” states Dieter Verstreken, Global Marketing Manager Position Sensors at Melexis. “Use of silicon on insulator (SOI) technology provides an output that is completely isolated from the supply voltage. Our advanced Triaxis magnetic sensing leads to far higher accuracy and reliability.”
About Melexis
Melexis is a world leader in automotive semiconductor sensors. Today, on average, every new car produced worldwide contains 13 Melexis chips. Melexis has used its core experience to expand its portfolio of sensors and driver ICs. Now they 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.
Please contact the experts at dimacred@dimacred.com or call the headquarters if you wish to know more about this new solution. The series is now ready for shipment.