Recently, Melexis announced the release of the latest third-generation Triaxis Hall sensor MLX90374, which provides dual outputs for motion sensing, eliminating the need for redundant position sensors in many applications.

Based on Melexis' proprietary 3D Hall sensing technology, the MLX90374 measures the absolute position of a moving magnet, including 360 degree rotation and linear displacement. The chip is also equipped with a temperature sensor and signal conditioning module for optional external sensors. The monolithic MLX90374 has two independently configurable output stages where the main output encodes position data in SENT or PWM and the secondary output is encoded in 12-bit PWM signals to provide position data. The secondary output of the MLX90374 ABB can also be used as a switching signal with a programmable threshold. The MLX90374 ABC version adds an additional third output that can also be configured as a switch. Each output is powered by an on-chip DSP with on-chip magnetic field data or an external sensor input as the data source.

Compared to previous generation Triaxis products, the MLX90374 requires less magnetic flux density to support smaller, lower cost magnets. Its demagnetization effect failure rate is less than 0.2%, and it can easily meet customer performance requirements in high temperature applications such as engine compartments. In addition, the chip has an anti-stray field mode of operation that ensures stable operation of the device in areas where external stray fields (up to 4kA/m or 5mT) may be present.

The MLX90374 is ISO 26262 ASIL C (SEooC) compliant, with an operating temperature range of up to +160 ° C and lower thermal drift, making it ideal for automotive applications such as transmission range sensors (TRS) or suppression switches. The MLX90374 can also be used to detect pedals, steering wheel positions or seat heights, as well as in drive trains.

The MLX90374 is available in a single-chip surface mount SOIC-8 package and a single-chip, PCB-less DMP-4 package with an operating temperature range of -40°C to +160°C. For more information on this product, please refer to the Melexis website: https://www.melexis.com/en/product/MLX90374/Triaxis-Rotary-Linear-Position-Sensor-Dual-Output