Melexis Shrinks Current Sensing Footprint With Coreless Technology

Tessenderlo, Belgium, 21 November 2024 – Melexis unveils the MLX91235, a new current sensor that eliminates the need for a ferromagnetic core. The MLX91235 expands Melexis’ portfolio, enabling the measurement of larger currents flowing through external primary conductors like PCB traces and busbars. It supports automotive and alternative mobility applications like inverters, battery management systems (BMSs) and low-voltage DC-DC converters. Power electronic designers are constantly faced with the challenge of system size and weight in modern electric vehicles (EVs), resulting in an ongoing demand for smaller and lighter solutions. By eliminating the ferromagnetic concentrator, the gradiometric MLX91235 achieves a significantly smaller footprint than typical current sensor technologies and eliminates hysteresis-related measurement errors. The differential measurement of the magnetic field between two internal sensing elements provides accurate current feedback, as well as ensuring stray field effects are eliminated. Featuring a 500 kHz bandwidth and 2 μs response time, the sensor is ideally suitable for high-speed applications, such as motor control and converter applications. Digital architecture & accuracy The MLX91235’s intelligent digital architecture elevates the sensor’s offering, ensuring high measurement accuracy and allowing for the incorporation of several key functions that help to enhance development, calibration, and system integration. When dealing with intrinsic non-linearities, analog architectures often rely on piecewise linear compensations. However, the MLX91235’s digital architecture offers the ability to implement more precise and sophisticated compensation, resulting in a more accurate and smoother output. The fully digital-based thermal compensation further ensures that the MLX91235 provides the highest accuracy measurement across its entire working conditions. Open calibration via SPI The device’s ‘open’ calibration is configured through a standard serial peripheral interface (SPI) allowing for configuration in situ via any microcontroller unit (MCU). Compared to analog coreless sensors, digital calibration provides a more direct and significantly quicker experience, enabling easy adjustment of elements like digital gain correction. Over-current detection & temperature monitoring The built-in 16-bit over-current detection (OCD) allows for asymmetric thresholds and includes two configurable threshold ranges. It features a configurable detection time with a minimum duration of 2 μs and an optional debounce strategy. This strategy helps to avoid false positives in harsher electromagnetic compatibility (EMC) environments. Further enhancing its value, the MLX91235 also includes a 10-bit temperature feedback mechanism, enabling accurate measurement of junction temperature that is transmitted through a high-speed SPI output. Functional safety & self-test The MLX91235 is ISO 26262 compliant as an ASIL B Safety Element out of Context (SEoOC). Going beyond ASIL B requirements, it also incorporates a sophisticated built-in self-test feature that can be triggered via SPI. This functionality allows the sensor to report critical information like temperature, under-voltage, and mechanical stress. Notably, unlike conventional diagnostics, this functionality encompasses the complete signal chain, up to the application MCU that reads the sensor. “Melexis has a rich history in current sensing technologies and the coreless MLX91235 is our next step,” said Bruno Boury, Product Line Director at Melexis. He continued “This sensor brings the optimal mix of in-situ fast calibration including OCD, ISO26262 compliance, and high accuracy owing to the digital core of the sensor. Those features combined with the Melexis customer support are a recipe for success in introducing this new technology into the field.” Designed to meet the needs of automotive and industrial current sensing applications, the MLX91235 supports PCB and busbar current sensing in systems such as inverters, low-voltage DC-DC converters, chargers, electrically heated catalysts (EHCs), BMSs, smart pyro fuses, and more. MLX91235 engineering samples and DVK91235 development kits are available now. The product is expected to be fully qualified by mid-2025. To request samples or development kits, please contact your local Melexis representative or visit www.melexis.com/MLX91235. Downloads Product flyer for MLX91235 Request datasheet for MLX91235 Current sensor selection tool

Melexis and Geely Illuminate the Future of Automotive Lighting Design

Tessenderlo, Belgium 19 November 2024 – Melexis is pleased to announce that the renowned Geely Automotive Group has chosen to use Melexis devices and MeLiBu® technology for the advanced daytime running lights (DRLs), as well as the RGB LED taillight with full-color lighting in the new Z10 model, the first EV by Lynk & Co. Looking to push the limits of vehicle lighting design, the group selected Melexis’ MLX81116 Smart RGB LED driver due to its sophisticated dynamic lighting control and advanced communication interface. With automotive lighting becoming a key visual distinction in modern vehicle design, Geely group was looking for a distinctive DRL and RGB taillight with full-color lighting arrangement for the first EV to be launched by one of its subsidiary brands. To achieve reliable color-changing dynamic lighting in safety-critical elements like the front DRL and full-color taillight, a multitude of technical requirements had to be met, necessitating a high-performance solution. This solution was the MLX81116 Smart 12-channel RGB LED driver. As a proven technology, the integrated circuit (IC) provided a mature solution that, when combined with Melexis application support, allowed the automotive manufacturer to implement a standout feature for its inaugural EV. The MLX81116 offers self-synchronization and provides a high-speed, robust communication system that is specifically designed for applications with numerous LEDs and a high degree of animation, complexity, and dynamic range. With the inclusion of an integrated microcontroller unit (MCU), the MLX81116 enables enhanced LED control algorithms, precise color mixing, and thorough diagnostic functionalities. It achieves a color mixing accuracy of 1% delta UV, while also compensating for temperature fluctuations in red/green and blue LEDs without requiring external components. The MLX81116 uses Melexis’ MeLiBu® high-speed communication technology to enable the smart animated automotive lighting required by the automotive manufacturer. MeLiBu® utilizes the CAN-FD physical layer and UART communication. For the automotive OEM, MeLiBu® served as a crucial differentiating factor in Melexis’ offering and facilitated a smooth integration with the car’s electrical/electronic (E/E) architecture. Furthermore, it has received additional praise from other prominent suppliers involved in the project due to its user-friendly nature. “This model represents an exciting moment for this automotive brand, not only because it is their first EV but also because of the bold lighting design choices,” said Linhong Song, Regional Marketing Manager at Melexis. She continued “The key for automotive OEMs is to discover innovative approaches for their cars to connect with their audience, and that is exactly what they have accomplished with the dynamic DRLs and RGB Taillight, supported by MeLiBu.” The evolution of automotive design has made dynamic lighting a key differentiator,” said Geely IC expert. “Our collaboration with Melexis and the integration of their advanced RGB drive technology is a testament to our commitment to innovation. The superior performance and enhanced aesthetics this technology brings to our smart electric vehicles not only elevate the driving experience but also solidify our position at the forefront of the EV industry. For more information on the MLX81116, please contact your local Melexis representative or visit – www.melexis.com/MLX81116

Yazaki EMEA Secures Silver Medal for Sustainability!

We are proud to share that we recently completed a thorough evaluation of our operational sustainability practices with EcoVadis, a global leader in business sustainability assessments. The four subcategories evaluated includes ‘Environment’, ‘Labor & Human Rights’, ‘Ethics’ and ‘Sustainable Procurement’. Our rating places us in the top 15% among all companies rated in the past year, earning us a Silver medal. Our overall score was 68 – which is higher than the score of 88 percent of all companies rated by EcoVadis. The rating validates and demonstrates our commitment to sustainability and supports our company goals. Most importantly, it shows us where we can continually improve. Thank you to all who participated in this important initiative. This is a great milestone for our company and an important aspect of our ongoing work to be more sustainable.

Melexis Unveils Contactless Micropower Switching for Automotive

Tessenderlo, Belgium 14 November 2024 – Melexis introduces the MLX92235, an ultra-low power Hall-effect switch with best-in-class tolerances for reliable and predictable output update rate. This tiny device is a game-changer for automotive micropower applications such as door handles, e-latches, sun visors, infotainment buttons, brake light switches, and more. For modern vehicles, accurate switch and latch mechanisms are relied upon by countless systems for feedback. With numerous switches deployed across cars, it is also important to ensure that they operate efficiently, minimizing power draw. Every microwatt counts. Melexis’ MLX92235 microwatt switch effectively addresses these requirements with 4 product variants. Featuring industry-leading accuracy, consistency, and reliability, the 3-wire monolithic magnetic switches ensure optimal performance throughout the vehicle lifespan. In order to minimize board space utilization, the MLX92235 does not require any external components and is offered in a standard automotive TSOT23-3L package. In demanding vehicular environments, its reliable operation is ensured by the wide operating temperature range of -40oC to 105oC. Moreover, the inclusion of flexible input voltage, choice of magnetic threshold, temperature coefficient, update rate, and output options (push-pull or open drain) facilitates seamless integration into various vehicle systems. The MLX92235’s advanced power design incorporates integrated logic that enables automatic sleep/awake sequencing delivering a typical sleep current consumption of 0.65μA at 1.8V. Furthermore, the MLX92235 includes selectable sleep time from 0.6ms to 800ms. As a highly sensitive chopper stabilized Hall Sensor, the MLX92235 provides accurate and contactless feedback in a range of magnetic functions, including unipolar/omnipolar switch or latch deployments. The MLX92235’s versatility, compactness, and efficiency make it a valuable asset for automotive designers, where its feedback can be harnessed to develop intelligent vehicle functions, such as the automated activation of ambient lighting when opening a door or sun visor. “With the new MLX92235 we have delivered contactless Hall effect reliability and accuracy in a low power design to replace all mechanical switches in a car,” stated Minko Daskalov, Product Line Manager at Melexis. “It will help automotive engineers to bring intelligence to a wide range of automotive switch and latch functions, ultimately benefiting the end-user.” Samples for the MLX92235 are available now. To discover more, please visit www.melexis.com/MLX92235 Downloads Datasheet for MLX92235 Product flyer for MLX92235 Latch & Switch selection tool

Melexis Unveils Arcminaxis™ Position Sensing Technology for Robotic Joints

Tessenderlo, Belgium, 7 November 2024 – Melexis announces Arcminaxis™, a groundbreaking magnetic technology addressing the growing demand for affordable, high-precision position sensing in robotic joints. The MLX90384, the first product incorporating Arcminaxis™, reduces the complexity and effort involved in assembling robotic joints. It comes with a magnet and a SW package to calibrate and operate the system. Historically, within many robotic designs, the highest-performance sensors have typically been selected with minimal regard for costs and maximal regard for performance. However, as robotics applications continue to broaden and manufacturers strive to enhance production or decrease costs, the careful selection of components becomes ever more paramount. For manufacturers, ensuring the affordability and simplicity of designs, all while upholding reliability and movement repeatability, is a primary concern. The MLX90384 is the first product in Melexis’ Arcminaxis™ range. The MLX90384 provides an unmatched blend of performance and affordability. It serves as an ideal middle-ground between high-performance yet costly optical solutions, and more affordable but less effective dipole magnetic solutions. The core differentiation of the MLX90384 is its magnet design and sensing capability. Unlike traditional multipole magnet sensors, the MLX90384 is pitch-independent and does not require a precise matching between the magnet pole size and the sensor. This allows for the use of magnets with larger and stronger magnetic poles, providing stronger signals that enable operation at large airgap. At the same time, the same sensor can be used with magnets of different size. Arcminaxis™ technology therefore provides a unique combination of key features: up to 18-bit resolution, a generous magnet-sensor placement tolerance of ±0.5 mm and a substantial 1.5mm (nominal) air gap between the magnet and integrated circuit (IC). For robotic designs, the MLX90384’s functionality contributes to the reduction in sensor and magnet cost compared to existing multipole solutions as well as simpler design and assembly considerations, thanks to increased assembly tolerances and robustness to mechanical wearout. The MLX90384 is delivered in a TSSOP-16 package together with a magnet and a SW package to operate and calibrate the system. Melexis Arcminaxis™ also helps to open up design flexibility by providing support for off-axis, through shaft, and linear encoder applications. “With the introduction of the new MLX90384 we are able to support the next generation of robots with an application-specific solution capable of offering the performance required at the right cost,” stated Atanas Dikov, Marketing Manager at Melexis. “This product is the first in our exciting new Arcminaxis™ range and it will soon sit alongside a variety of application-tailored solutions designed for the world of robotics.” The MLX90384 solution, including the IC, magnet and the necessary algorithm to operate, is ready for testing. Additionally, a ready-to-run evaluation kit is also available, featuring a pre-assembled and pre-calibrated design, with a pre-programmed microcontroller. To discover more, visit www.melexis.com/MLX90384 or contact us directly via www.melexis.com/contact Downloads Datasheet for MLX90384 Product flyer for MLX90384 Innovative magnetic sensing for robotics Magnetic position sensor selection tool

Future Leadership is Fearless and Forward-Thinking

Meet Rahul Singh—a passionate cricket enthusiast, math and tech lover, and husband to his high school sweetheart. Today, he leads Visteon’s Infotainment & Cockpit Software Engineering team with heart, a love for solving problems, and an unshakeable determination to make things work. A Leader Who Tackles Challenges Head-On Rahul thrives on winning and is always up for a challenge. He believes in pushing the limits, striving to “do it all,” and finding solutions. His secret weapon? A love for reading. Rahul stays current on the latest innovations in AI, product apps and software, using his insights to inspire his team. Nicknamed “The Emergency Doctor,” Rahul has a talent for stepping in when challenges arise. His approach to problem-solving is holistic, which he discussed during Visteon’s “Life as a Leader” series—a program designed to inspire growth across the company. Rahul emphasizes the importance of collaboration and trust as core values that drive his team’s success in solving tough, evolving tech issues. Before acting, he advises, always ensure you’re asking the right questions to find the most effective solutions. The way in which Rahul described his passions and eagerness to self-teach, made him sound fearless of failure. If you fail, fail fast he said. Learn from it but don’t dwell on it. Key Takeaways from Rahul’s Future-Focused Leadership Experience In his “Life as a Leader” talk, Rahul shared insights that can inspire anyone aiming for leadership: Be fearless, not reckless. Take action with confidence, but make sure your decisions are grounded in experience and understanding. Let passion guide you. Build your career around what excites you, and keep learning and growing in those areas. See failure as a teacher. Understand it is only part of the process; learn from it and come back stronger. Ready to Join a Team That Values Passion and Resilience? At Visteon, we value people who possess the same grit, passion, and hunger for growth as Rahul. If you are ready to join a fast-paced team and make a meaningful impact, why don’t you check out our open roles and apply today?

Quantron AG officially announces insolvency

The Augsburg judiciary has officially announced the opening of insolvency proceedings: Quantron – founded in 2019 – has thus been under the supervision of a provisional insolvency administrator since 29 October. Lawyer Constantin Salm-Hoogstraeten will ensure that the company’s assets are secured until a final decision is made on the opening of insolvency proceedings. The Management Board, consisting of CEO Andreas Haller, CFO Beate Reimann and Head of Technology Rene-Christopher Wollmann, may therefore only dispose of the company’s assets with the approval of the provisional insolvency administrator. Quantron itself has announced that it intends to publish a statement on insolvency over the course of the day. The fact that Quantron has been struggling with a financial bottleneck for several months has recently become increasingly apparent. Quantron cancelled its stand at the IAA Transportation at short notice. Some employees of the commercial vehicle manufacturer from Gersthofen are said to be waiting for their wages, as various local media in Augsburg reported last week. Quantron told electrive on Friday that it did indeed have outstanding debts – including from the workforce. However, CFO Reimann referred to the imminent conclusion of a new investor deal. It now appears that instead of a new round of financing, Quantron is facing insolvency. It is unclear what the future holds for the approximately 90 employees. However, some employees – including those who have contacted the electrive editorial team – believe that orderly insolvency is a better option than the current situation. For example, wage claims have reportedly already been filed by employees at the labour court in Augsburg. Quantron emerged as a new player in the electric commercial vehicle market at the end of 2019 – launched by Gersthofen-based Iveco contract partner and commercial vehicle specialist Haller. Initially located in the retrofitting sector, the start-up quickly transformed itself into a system integrator with rapidly growing international ambitions. The management repeated more and more frequently that Quantron did not want to become an OEM, but a platform provider. The business model therefore consists less of the production and sale of e-trucks and more of the operation of an ecosystem. The activities were to be financed, among other things, by funds that Quantron wanted to raise in a B financing round. The company set a target of 100 to 200 million euros last year. This is precisely the crux of the matter: this financing round failed, whereupon Andreas Haller, the founder and CEO of Quantron AG, also took on the role of CEO at the turn of the year 2023/24. He took on the management role ‘with a particular focus on the successful conclusion of the B round’, as he said at the time. However, Haller currently has to take a break: According to his own statement, he suffered a serious heart attack during the IAA and is currently recovering from it. “Sorry, but my state of health has a reason – that was and is my unwavering belief and my fight for the German economy and for sustainable technologies, which also have a great future in Germany and we definitely need them,” Haller wrote on Linkedin. Quantron currently has around 200 vehicles on the market – including both battery and fuel-cell-powered vehicles. However, the company has not managed to take the step towards full-scale series production in the five years of its existence. To date, all trucks have also had to be individually approved by the regulatory agency TÜV, which drives up costs even further. This is one of the reasons why a customer recently switched its H2 truck orders from Quantron to Hyundai, according to industry insiders. presse-augsburg.de, insolvenzbekanntmachungen.de (both in German)

EU imposes special tariffs on electric cars from China

The regulation adopted by the Commission is to be published in the Official Journal of the EU on Wednesday and enter into force the following day; Thursday, 31 October 2024. The Commission is thus following its own announcement after the decisive vote by the EU member states on the special duties. According to this, the Commission’s implementing regulation with the final results of the investigation must be published in the Official Journal by 30 October 2024 at the latest – which should now happen on Wednesday. In the vote, a sufficiently large majority of EU member states voted in favour of the Commission’s plans to impose special tariffs on electric cars produced in China. Following the lengthy anti-subsidy investigation, the EU considers it proven that some car manufacturers in China are supported by the local government with unlawfully high subsidies, which is why these companies can offer their products in Europe at more favourable prices than European companies that have not been subsidised accordingly. The exact special duties therefore also depend on the level of distortion of competition identified. The Commission therefore considers the countervailing duties to be necessary in order to secure the long-term future of the automotive industry in the EU. Germany had voted against the proposal as the German government fears a trade conflict with China – and the possible consequences for German car manufacturers and suppliers. Berlin had therefore endeavoured to secure its own majority to avert the tariffs proposed by the Commission in July. However, this was not successful. Further negotiations after the EU vote were also unsuccessful. One option was for electric car dealers to enter into price commitments and thus avert the tariffs. It remains to be seen how China will react to the now-finalised decision for the special electric car tariffs to come into force. Most recently, there were reports that the government in Beijing had put pressure on state-owned car manufacturers to stop their expansion in Europe, for example, plans for possible European plants in order to circumvent the import duties with local production. However, this is said to have centred primarily on the negotiations that were still ongoing at the time. As these have now failed, China’s future policy is also unclear. In addition to the already applicable import duty of ten per cent, e-cars from BYD will be subject to an additional 17.0 per cent from November, 27.0 per cent in total. For Geely, the final version is 18.8 and 28.8 per cent respectively, while the maximum rate for SAIC is 35.3 per cent special duty and therefore 45.3 per cent total duty. There is also a special regulation for Tesla: the US car manufacturer operates the Giga Shanghai itself and not in the form of a joint venture with a Chinese manufacturer. As a result, Tesla has also received fewer subsidies in China and therefore has a smaller competitive advantage from the perspective of the EU Commission. As a result, a special duty of 7.8 per cent and a total of 17.8 per cent were set here. All other manufacturers must pay at least a 21.3 per cent special duty when they import electric cars built in China into the EU. This rate applies if the manufacturers have cooperated with the EU. If they have not, the 35.3 per cent applies. For German car manufacturers, it depends on whether they have cooperated and what the situation is with their joint venture partners. In the case of SAIC-VW, for example, the maximum rate of 35.3 per cent applies. However, this is not relevant in practice, as SAIC-VW does not export electric cars to Europe. However, the joint venture with JAC, Volkswagen Anhui, builds the Cupra Tavascan, for example, for the global markets. The special duty here is 21.3 per cent. Update 30 October 2024 A few hours after the EU decision, an initial reaction was received from Beijing. China “neither agrees nor accepts” the additional tariffs. The country will “take all necessary measures to firmly protect the legitimate rights and interests of Chinese companies,” explained a spokesperson for the Ministry of Commerce in Beijing. China has filed a complaint under the dispute settlement mechanism of the World Trade Organisation (WTO). ec.europa.eu, sueddeutsche.de (in German), bloomberg.com, spiegel.de (Update, in German)

British postal service to stock up on electric Peugeots

The supplier of the vehicles has now been finalised: Peugeot has been commissioned to supply 1,100 e-Partner and 1,000 e-Expert vehicles. The type of vehicle ordered had not been stated at the initial order announcement in July. In the press release, Peugeot specifies that the E-Partner now features an updated design, new technologies, and an increased all-electric range of up to 213 miles (according to WLTP). The E-Partner is powered by an electric drive that can deliver up to 270Nm of torque coupled with a 50kWh battery. A new regenerative braking system that can be activated at three different levels using steering wheel paddles has also been added. “Peugeot is proud to continue supplying electric vans to Royal Mail, a partnership that has been ongoing since 2009, which is testament to the quality and reliability of our vehicles,” said Eurig Druce, Group Managing Director of Stellantis UK & Managing Director of Peugeot UK, adding: “Peugeot’s electric vans are built in Britain for an iconic British brand and we will continue to uphold this historic partnership and support Royal Mail’s electrification ambitions.” In 2021, Royal Mail had stated the target of electrifying its entire fleet by 2030, and had started trials with an electric LEVC transporter van in 2020. “This is an important part of our work to expand the UK’s largest electric delivery fleet and to remain the UK’s greenest delivery company,” added Greg Sage, Royal Mail’s Deputy Director for Corporate Affairs and ESG. stellantis.com

Audi to close Brussels plant in February 2025

The 3,000 employees at the Audi plant in Brussels were hoping for a last-minute solution but have been disappointed: Audi is closing the site and informed the works council and trade unions of the decision on Tuesday. It is not yet known what will happen to the employees, but there will be no premature redundancies before the factory closes on 28 February. The closure is not a surprise, but has been on the cards for a long time: Audi had repeatedly publicly denounced the plant in the Belgian capital, where the Q8 e-tron and its Sportback offshoot are currently being built, over the course of the year. The successor to the Q8 e-tron is to be built in Mexico and Audi will not be outsourcing any new models to the Belgian plant. As German sites in the VW Group are now also on the brink of collapse, the chances for Brussels – even with another Group brand – had diminished further. In mid-September, Audi’s Chief Operating Officer Gerd Walker announced in an interview that the company was focussing on the search for potential investors. The successor to the Q8 e-tron will be manufactured in Mexico, and Audi will not award any new models to the Belgian plant. As some German sites within the VW Group are now also on the brink of collapse, the chances for Brussels – even with another Group brand – have diminished further. In mid-September, Audis Chief Operating Officer Gerd Walker stated in an interview that the company was focussing on the search for potential investors. Around a fortnight ago, Audi then announced that it had been unable to find a suitable investor for Brussels, which led to the scenario of a plant closure materialising. There were probably 26 interested parties and potential investors, but according to Walker, they were unable to present a “viable and sustainable concept” for the future of the factory. An internal search within the Volkswagen Group for future car production or alternative uses for the plant had also remained unsuccessful. This makes Brussels the first VW plant in Europe to be closed. As the responsible negotiator for the ACV-CSC union at the plant, Ronny Liedts, stated a fortnight ago, it is likely that the approximately 3,000 factory workers will lose their jobs. Liedts also levelled accusations against Audi: “The only thing they want is to close the plant as quickly as possible. None of the alternatives are an option for them.” Audi had repeatedly criticised that the location of the plant hindered expansion and internal logistics – both of which were necessary to operate the site economically. The plant is located directly on the railway line, which is why no expansion areas are actually accessible. In addition, there is no body shop on site, which is why stand-alone production is not possible in Brussels – important body components have to be supplied from other plants. However, regardless of the challenges at the site itself, Audi also has a problem with the demand for the model built in Brussels. The factory in Belgium is designed for a capacity of 120,000 vehicles per year. Audi reached its peak in 2022 with 47,900 cars built in Brussels, compared to 37,400 Q8 e-tron in 2023. According to the VW Group’s Q3 delivery figures, Audi has only delivered 23,900 units of the large e-SUV so far this year. In August, there was a media report stating that Audi was only planning to deliver 6,000 vehicles in 2025. automobilwoche.de, zeit.de (both in German)