Low-voltage 3D magnetometer for consumer applications

Requiring no dedicated LDO or regulator, the competitively priced MLX90392 simplifies design, trims bill-of-materials costs and saves PCB space. Measuring just 2x2.5x0.4mm, the sensor features a UTDFN-8 ultra-thin no-lead eight-pin package to help designers tackle space-constrained applications. In addition, a 1.5µA power-down mode helps save energy and thus maximise runtime in battery-powered applications.

With an integrated thermal sensor, and featuring I2C communication protocol, the MLX90392 places 16-bit position measurements in X, Y, Z axes, and temperature, onto the I2C bus operating at up to 1 MHz. Two variants are available, allowing a choice of ±50 mT and ±5 mT full-scale range, leveraging Melexis’ patented Triaxis Hall technology to deliver low noise and high accuracy.

The ±50 mT range is optimal for position measurement in HMI applications, door-closure detection in white goods and access-control systems, anti-tamper for smart meters, and contactless joysticks that save the power dissipated by traditional position sensing with potentiometres. For position sensing which requires a small magnetic range, and for precise position measurement where noise is a critical design parameter, the ±5 mT variant has sensitivity of 0.15 µT/LSB and typical RMS noise down to 0.3 µT.

Both devices support single-measurement and continuous-measurement modes, giving outstanding design flexibility, while self-test status, data-ready, and magnetic sensor-overflow indication provide comprehensive diagnostics.