MEMS pressure sensor copes with diverse environments

With a cantilever design, the sensor measures gas and liquid pressure in diverse environments with high precision and reliability.

It can be integrated as a standalone device or embedded in expansion valves, e-compressors, or pumps in electric vehicle thermal management systems.

It is also a suitable choice for HVAC-R applications.

The sensor is the first product to feature patented Triphibian technology. The advanced pressure sensor offers consistent performance and durability in all the conditions an electric vehicle is likely to experience.

The sensor operates in temperatures ranging from -40°C to 150°C, measuring gas and liquid pressures from 2 to 70 bar while also surviving frozen states.

The ability to measure gaseous and liquid states and survive solid (frozen) states means that the sensor can operate under all possible conditions.

Factory calibrated, the Melexis MLX90830 sensor IC delivers highly accurate measurements directly out of the box.

The device combines electronics and the sensor into a standard SO16-sized IC package. The patented sensing component is a piezo-resistive element configured as a Wheatstone bridge. The bridge output is amplified and sent through an analogue-to-digital conversion stage. In the next step, a 16-bit digital signal processor (DSP) manages temperature compensation. Finally, the signal is converted back into an analogue output.

Delivering an analogue output allows direct-replacement compatibility with standard existing sensors while providing the advantages of a new MEMS device.

The sensor features configurable diagnostics for tailored monitoring and troubleshooting, and the IC boasts ± 0.5% full-scale lifetime accuracy and fast response times of just 0.4 ms.

In addition, the Melexis MLX90830 meets AEC-Q100 and AEC-Q103-002 certifications and is ASIL compliant. Developed as an ASIL A SEooC (ISO 26262) device, it ensures a high level of safety and reliability in automotive applications.