Melexis has extended its LIN RGB family with the MLX81123

     Melexis extends its LIN RGB family with MLX81123. Building on the success of its predecessor, it offers cost-effective performance and reliability in a small package. The use of new supply chains can increase competitiveness and ensure the continuity of customers' business.

     Ambient LED lighting is now a key design element for automakers, improving the end-user experience and helping Oems deliver compelling visual distinctions. With established Oems making extensive use of ambient lighting in their latest models, maintaining a reliable supply chain is critical.

     The successor to the company's popular MLX81113, the new third-generation MLX81123 is available in SOIC8 and a small DFN-8 3mm x 3mm package. This miniaturization allows light to be used anywhere in the car, where previously there were limitations due to space constraints. Manufactured with cutting-edge SOI technology, the miniaturization of the device provides an increase in ic per wafer. This advancement has resulted in one of the smallest RGB LIN IC controllers on the market and a significant increase in production - ready to meet the demands of the growing automotive ambient lighting market.

     It has universal software design and pin-to-pin compatibility (SOIC 8) and can be easily integrated into existing designs. Replacing the current MLX81113 chip with a new device usually does not require a full development cycle.the device provides RGB according to LIN 2. x and SAE J2602. For security applications, it supports system integration at ASIL Level B in ISO 26262.

     The advanced 16-bit MCU has 2KB of RAM, 32KB of application-usable flash memory, and a system ROM with a bootloader and LIN driver. The built-in 512b EEPROM offers efficient configurations, such as LED calibration factors, which are needed to ensure uniform cabin brightness and color representation.

     The device's LIN system includes a transceiver and protocol processor that enables seamless connectivity between the RGB environment module and the vehicle's existing LIN network. The device features four high-voltage I/ OS, freely configurable current sources (up to 60mA), and can support RGB and white leds from a variety of vendors, allowing for greater procurement flexibility. The IC's independent 16-bit PWM output provides precise color and brightness control for any connected led, meeting the needs of a variety of vehicle environmental applications such as door trim, accents, and indoor cabin lights.

     In sleep mode, the device shows a typical standby current consumption of only 25 μa and features 28V jump and battery monitoring with over and under voltage detection. With an operating temperature range of -40°c to +125°c and a built-in temperature sensor for thermal monitoring, it is ideal for even the most demanding automotive environments.

     "Ambient lighting shifts from an aesthetic choice for high-end cars to an essential feature of the car, offering a new landscape for customization and visual differentiation. This creates additional demand for automotive LED controllers, "said Michael Bender, product line manager for embedded lighting at Melexis. "Our second-generation LIN RGB IC controller has been an incredible success. The third generation MLX81123 takes advantage of existing advantages to miniaturize solutions and increase production capacity. We offer unmatched features at an affordable price, enabling a wide range of models from luxury to entry-level."