Melexis introduces the MLX81339, a new integrated motor driver with a PWM/serial interface. This integrated circuit (IC) is designed for the compact control of three-phase BLDC motors and stepper motors up to 40 W in industrial applications such as fans, pumps, and positioning systems. Its programmable flash memory allows for full application customization.
Across all industrial sectors, there is a growing demand for smarter, more efficient motors that enable quiet, reliable operation in compact designs. Applications such as server cooling, household appliances, HVAC valves, and automated valve control are increasingly constrained by size, development time, and budget. In this environment, conventional motor controller solutions can pose a barrier to entry, especially when software complexity or hardware footprint become limiting factors.
For applications requiring configuration flexibility, the MLX81339 offers Flash programmability without sacrificing its small size. Designed for three-phase BLDC motor or bipolar stepper motor implementations, these advanced drivers utilize quiet and efficient Field Oriented Control (FOC) to ensure reliable starting and stopping, as well as precise speed control from minimum to maximum speed.
To support engine configuration, the web tool Melexis StartToRun It significantly speeds up motor controller prototyping, eliminating significant engineering tasks by generating configuration files based on simple user input. In addition to electrical and motor parameters, the tool includes pre-formalized mechanical values, helping engineers accelerate time-to-market and reduce their dependence on software expertise.
The device supports control up to 20 W at 12 V and 40 W at 24 V, and integrates a three-phase driver with a configurable current limit up to 3 A and undervoltage, overvoltage, overcurrent, and overtemperature protection to ensure reliable operation. The compact QFN24 and SO8-EP packages enable compact PCB designs, supporting the trend towards smaller, embedded systems, while the wide supply voltage range of 6 V to 26 V and operating temperature from -40 °C to 125 °C (junction temperature up to 150 °C) further facilitate system integration.
With broad output support, the devices include 8 general-purpose I/Os and feature PWM, FG, I²C, UART, and SPI interfaces for easy integration into legacy and smart systems. With support for both sensored and sensorless control, the integrated circuit (IC) ensures quiet and robust motor operation, performing reliably during load transients and fault recovery, avoiding the unexpected restarts common with less sophisticated controllers. Applications span smart industrial and consumer sectors, including positioning motors, thermal valves, robotic actuators, residential and industrial ventilation systems, and dishwasher pumps. Automotive fans and blowers are also supported thanks to the MLX81339's automotive certification.
“With the MLX81339, we’re enabling smarter motor control in applications that demand space efficiency, ease of use, and robust performance,” said Marc Lambrechts, Product Line Manager at Melexis. “These devices deliver the performance modern applications demand while eliminating development overhead and costs. By enabling sensorless FOC control in a compact form factor, with a highly configurable version available and a no-code, plug-and-play variant coming soon, we’re helping engineers bring smart motor applications to life more quickly and efficiently.”
The MLX81339 is available now. Its no-code successor and the configurable MLX80339 for rapid deployment will be released in Q1 2026. Learn more at www.melexis.com/MLX81339.
