Melexis unveils contactless micropower switching for automotive

For modern vehicles, accurate switch and latch mechanisms are relied upon by countless systems for feedback. With numerous switches deployed across cars, it is also important to ensure that they operate efficiently, minimising power draw. Every microwatt counts. Melexis’ MLX92235 microwatt switch effectively addresses these requirements with four product variants. With accuracy, consistency, and reliability, the three-wire monolithic magnetic switches ensure optimal performance throughout the vehicle lifespan.

In order to minimise board space utilisation, the MLX92235 does not require any external components and is offered in a standard automotive TSOT23-3L package. In demanding vehicular environments, its reliable operation is ensured by the wide operating temperature range of –40oC to 105oC. Moreover, the inclusion of flexible input voltage, choice of magnetic threshold, temperature coefficient, update rate, and output options (push-pull or open drain) facilitates seamless integration into various vehicle systems.

The MLX92235’s advanced power design incorporates integrated logic that enables automatic sleep/awake sequencing delivering a typical sleep current consumption of 0.65μA at 1.8V. Furthermore, the MLX92235 includes selectable sleep time from 0.6ms to 800ms.

As a highly sensitive chopper stabilised Hall Sensor, the MLX92235 provides accurate and contactless feedback in a range of magnetic functions, including unipolar/omnipolar switch or latch deployments. The MLX92235’s versatility, compactness, and efficiency make it a valuable asset for automotive designers, where its feedback can be harnessed to develop intelligent vehicle functions, such as the automated activation of ambient lighting when opening a door or sun visor.

“With the new MLX92235 we have delivered contactless Hall effect reliability and accuracy in a low power design to replace all mechanical switches in a car,” stated Minko Daskalov, Product Line Manager at Melexis. “It will help automotive engineers to bring intelligence to a wide range of automotive switch and latch functions, ultimately benefiting the end-user.”