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