Melexis introduces the MLX90381 5V, expanding its range of compact Triaxis® pico-resolvers to support a wide array of motor applications in automotive, alternative mobility, and robotics. Unlike rigid TMR solutions, this new 5V variant offers unparalleled placement flexibility. This design freedom is precisely what allows engineers to reduce motor size without compromising accuracy.
As engineers work to design smaller, quieter, and more efficient motors, integrating a precise rotor position sensor into increasingly compact mechanical systems becomes a greater challenge. This is especially true in applications where end-of-shaft sensing is not feasible, such as through-shaft motors, brake motors, steering motors, e-bike drives, and other compact actuation systems. In these environments, designers require a position sensing solution that allows for flexible placement without adding unnecessary mechanical complexity or taking up extra PCB space.
To address this need, the MLX90381 5V combines Melexis' Hall Triaxis® technology with high-speed sinusoidal and cosine analog outputs in a compact DFN-6 package. By sensing magnetic flux density in three dimensions and allowing selection of X/Y, X/Z, or Z/Y magnetic axis pairs, the device gives engineers greater freedom in positioning the sensor relative to the rotating magnet. In side-of-shaft and through-shaft motor designs, this allows the sensor to be placed below or very close to the magnetic track, rather than requiring additional lateral space. This helps reduce mechanical constraints, simplifies PCB layout, and facilitates tolerance management in compact assemblies.
The MLX90381 5V offers a 2 µs output refresh rate and can measure rotational speeds exceeding 50.000 rpm, making it ideal for precise rotor position detection in DC, BLDC, and PMSM motor architectures. Programmable sensitivity and adjustable filter bandwidth provide flexibility for optimizing system performance, while I²C communication enables easy device setup and calibration during production.
Encapsulated in a compact 2,0 mm x 2,5 mm x 1,0 mm DFN-6, the MLX90381 5V features a wide operating temperature range of -40 °C to 160 °C, built-in diagnostics, ASIL B SEooC (Safety Element out of Context) capability and AEC-Q100 rating, enabling it to meet the most demanding design requirements of the automotive and industrial sectors.
“The 5V MLX90381 gives engineers greater freedom to employ resolver-based position sensing in compact motor systems operating on a 5V supply,” said David Goyvaerts, Applications Engineer at Melexis. “By combining Triaxis® flexible magnetic sensing technology, high-speed sine/cosine outputs, and a compact package, it helps our customers reduce integration constraints while ensuring precise motor control in automotive, alternative mobility, and robotics applications.”
Target applications for the MLX90381 include electronic valves (e-valves), seat motors, door handles, brake motors, steering motors, electric bicycle motors, cadence detection, and compact robotic actuators.
Samples are now available. For more information, visit www.melexis.com/MLX90381
