Tysondello, Belgium, December 4, 2019 – Melexis, a global microelectronics engineering company, announces the introduction of a new generation of LIN RGB (W) LED controller IC products. As the global leader in ambient lighting solutions, the new MLX81113 will support the further development of LIN-based RGB LED ambient lighting applications (also known as LIN RGB), which has been approved by nearly every OEM worldwide. Compared to the popular MLX81108, the MLX81113 features larger on-chip memory, higher constant current source output and enhanced EMC stability. In addition, the MLX81113 complies with ISO 26262 functional safety requirements and is ASIL-A rated.
The MLX81113 enhances the system-on-chip functionality with an MLX16 FX 16-bit RISC microcontroller, 2 KB RAM and 32 KB Flash, and system ROM to significantly improve application performance. The on-chip EEPROM is increased to 576 bytes for storing user data, such as LED calibration coefficients, to ensure that RGB LEDs for automotive applications have uniformly balanced brightness and color.
The four constant current source outputs are software programmable to provide up to 60 mA and support the use of various RGB LEDs from different suppliers. Independent PWM control, supporting 16-bit resolution, can be used to adjust any color point and brightness level of the connected RGB LED. Built-in temperature monitoring ensures color stability from -40°C to 125°C and allows temperature compensation for all color channels. Any temperature drift in red, green and blue is fully compensated. We offer a complete tool chain to support rapid application development, including PCB evaluation boards, in-circuit emulators and C compiler packages. To simplify software development for customers, we also provide all required software components, including LIN drivers, color mixing and math libraries, and IC initialization routines.
“Lighting is one of the key features that will enable personalization and differentiation in the cabin of the future. With our latest product, we have further expanded our lighting product range to accommodate this trend,” said Michael Bender, LIN Product Line Manager at Melexis. “Our LIN-compatible RGB(W) drivers provide excellent and cost-effective interior ambient lighting applications for entry-level, mid-range, and luxury vehicles. The MLX81113 utilizes Silicon-on-Insulator (SOI) technology for extremely high EMC stability, resulting in improved performance metrics and reduced external component count. In addition, the MLX81113 is designed to ISO 26262 rating, which facilitates system-level functional safety certification.”
The MLX81113 contains a complete LIN system including transceivers and protocol handlers to connect the RGB environment module with the vehicle’s existing LIN network. The SoC is LIN2.x and SAE J2602 compliant and supports auto-addressing for the smallest module size and lowest bill of materials (BOM) cost.
Using the latest Silicon-on-Insulator (SOI) technology, the MLX81113 features high-voltage I/Os and operates from supply voltages as low as 4V, even if the vehicle supply voltage fluctuates, such as during start-stop operations. Provides excellent performance. Safety features include 28 V boost start, battery overvoltage and undervoltage detection. The MLX81113 is currently in production and is AECQ-100 compliant and PPAP compliant. The MLX81113 is available in SOIC8 exposed pad and lead-free DFN10 3 mm x 3 mm thermally enhanced package options for excellent thermal performance.