Inductive position sensing made widely accessible by Melexis

The MLX90513 brings this advanced technology within reach of a wider audience. This ASIL C sensor interface incorporates on-chip digital signal processing for enhanced zero-delay performance.

For numerous position sensing applications, achieving high accuracy combined with complete stray field immunity has been a key objective.

Performance

The MLX90513 from Melexis offers ±0.1% full-scale accuracy (±0.36˚ in a rotary implementation with a 360˚ range). It also features sub-20µs latency, reducible to zero through programming, enabling the implementation of a fast control loop and ensuring responsive system performance. This inductive-based ASSP is naturally immune to stray electromagnetic fields (meeting ISO 11452-8 standard requirements) and is unaffected by thermal drift in sensitivity.

Flexible output

The output configurability of the MLX90513 allows for the delivery of position sensing data as analog ratiometric, PWM, SENT, or SPC signals. This flexibility addresses output protocols for various application criteria. It is notable as the only inductive position sensor on the market with an SPC output. The option with 0.5µs tick time (fast SENT or SPC) sets it apart, as no other inductive sensor currently offers this. The capability for pulse shaping in PWM, SENT, and SPC modes is beneficial in reducing electromagnetic emissions.

Applications

The MLX90513 is suitable for various uses, including:

• Throttle, accelerator, and brake pedal positioning
• Steering wheel angle positioning
• Valves or actuators angle positioning
• Long stroke length linear applications (up to 30cm)

The sensor's design considers the importance of functional safety (ISO 26262), supporting up to ASIL D system integration. Additionally, the MLX90513 can be used alongside Melexis’ magnetic sensors for system redundancy, as these devices do not interfere with each other.

Robustness

The MLX90513 comes in a compact TSSOP-16 package, with a working temperature range of –40°C to +160°C, suitable for challenging environments. Its 3-phase coil arrangement enhances linearity through harmonic filtering. The device's 32-point linearisation corrects angular non-linearity errors, and features such as over-voltage and reverse polarity protection enhance its robustness. Inductive measurement methods simplify system implementations and integration.

Lorenzo Lugani, Product Manager Inductive Sensors at Melexis, commented: “Tier 1 suppliers want access to highly accurate position sensing technology. Through our MLX90513 device, inductive position sensing solutions are available to a broader audience.”