Melexis has announced the launch of the world's first dual bare chip latch and switch sensor

     Melexis has announced a new line of magnetic latches and switch sensors that are the first in the world to integrate two silicon bare chips in the same package. Designed for use in automotive applications including transmissions, power steering, braking and locks/latches, these extremely reliable devices mark a significant advance in magnetic induction technology.

     By integrating two ics into a single package, Melexis can provide the redundancy that is critical to meeting the reliability requirements of the automotive market. This also means that significant improvements can be made in terms of precision - because the sensitive points are tighter than discrete devices housed in separate packages. The first products with this innovative packaging concept are the MLX92292 and MLX92232.

     The MLX92232 is a second-generation programmable Hall effect sensor designed using state-of-the-art mixed-signal CMOS technology. This dual bare chip device integrates a voltage regulator, Hall sensing function with advanced offset cancellation system, and an open drain output driver, all in one package. It is available in 4-pin through hole form.

     It is complemented by a 3-wire μPower Melexis MLX92292 chip in an 8-pin surface-mount SO-8 package. It provides the intended switching function, but unlike existing products on the market, it can determine the presence of a transverse magnetic field around it, rather than just being orthogonal. This unique product supports ASIL B functional safety (according to ISO 26262) and has an array of built-in diagnostic mechanisms to provide extremely reliable work for automotive applications.

     Both products can be pre-programmed to meet specific application requirements. In addition, OEM customers can benefit from the flexibility of factory programming to complete in-system optimization on their own production lines. The programming function can also set two magnetic operating points in small increments in the range -90mT to + 90mT (transverse sensing versions are -40mT to + 40mT).

     Dieter Verstreken, Product Manager for latches and Switches at Melexis, commented: "At Melexis, we are pleased to be the first to bring dual bare latch and switch technology to the market. While standard and configurable products are available for most applications, we now have the ability to develop more advanced customizations to address the most demanding automotive design challenges."