Capable of driving eight RGB channels, the MLX81118 reduces the bill of materials and simplifies the design of cutting-edge interior and exterior lighting.
The chip has a dual input-voltage capability that significantly lowers LED power dissipation for LIN applications.
Independent PWM control, configurable up to 16-bit resolution, allows the controller to achieve any color point and brightness level.
The device is suitable for applications where multiple RGB LEDs need to be controlled via one LIN node within one or several modules, for example, in door trim parts or dashboard applications.
The multi-channel support means that the controller is also suitable for light animations controlled via LIN.
In addition to reducing the BOM and simplifying the design of multi-channel interior and exterior lighting systems, the device also lowers LED power dissipation thanks to its dual input-voltage capability that optimizes the driving voltage for the connected LEDs. This helps to simplify thermal management and enhance module reliability while also reducing power consumption.
Built-in direct and indirect temperature monitoring permits temperature compensation for all channels to ensure stable color points over the full temperature operating range, from -40 °C to 125 °C.
The chip contains a complete LIN system, including transceiver and protocol handler for connecting LED modules to the vehicle’s existing LIN network.
The LIN interface is compliant with LIN2.x and SAE J2602 standards as well as ISO 18987 and supports auto-addressing according to the bus-shunt method.
LED control is handled with Melexis’ MLX16 FX 16-bit RISC microcontroller and the on-chip memory subsystem that includes 2 KB of RAM and 32 KB of Flash memory for the application and LED calibration coefficients as well as real EEPROM for additional customer data.
It is also compliant with ISO 26262 requirements, allowing use in functional-safety classified systems.
Manufactured using SOI technology, the MLX81118 features high-voltage I/Os and can operate from a supply voltage as low as 4 V for consistent performance as the vehicle supply voltage fluctuates, such as during stop-start operation.
Built-in protection features include 28 V jump start, and battery overvoltage and under-voltage detection.
A complete toolchain including evaluation board, In-circuit-emulator, and C-Compiler package is available to help accelerate application development. Essential software including a LIN driver, color mixing, math library, and IC initialization routines are also available.
To support customers Melexis developed a network of engineering companies to provide custom SW support for the application if required.
The MLX81118 is in qualification now and can be supplied with PPAP in accordance with AECQ-100. It is available in a space-saving leadless QFN32 5mm x 5mm thermally enhanced package.
For more information: www.melexis.com/MLX81118
