Melexis has expanded the application scope of its MLX90427 embedded position sensor, incorporating it into joystick and Human-Machine Interface (HMI) applications across industrial, construction, agriculture, and medical sectors. The sensor is designed for cost-effectiveness and includes an on-chip Digital Signal Processor (DSP) and integrated Stray Field Immunity (SFI) for stable performance. This makes the MLX90427 suitable for use in joysticks, steering wheels, and thumbwheels.
The MLX90427 is a Hall effect magnetic position sensing IC that offers performance enhancements and cost reductions compared to previous generation Melexis embedded position sensors. It is developed for embedded position sensor applications, featuring high-speed communication and a 14-bit resolution output.
For industrial applications, the MLX90427’s integrated SFI feature aims to ensure stable operation even in environments with high magnetic interference. This is intended to benefit industrial joysticks, steering systems, and thumbwheel controls in heavy machinery, medical devices, and automation equipment where safety is important. The contactless design of the sensor eliminates wear and drift, differing from mechanical potentiometers, which can contribute to increased longevity and reduced maintenance.
The MLX90427 is also suited for controllers that require fast response times, high precision, and longevity. Its embedded Triaxis sensing element detects magnetic flux density in three directions (Bx, By, and Bz), providing computed angle outputs from controller joysticks without requiring extensive external processing. It is presented as a more cost-effective alternative to previous Melexis embedded position sensors for joystick control and other HMI peripherals where precise and responsive input is critical.
The MLX90427 sensor offers multiple operating modes for various deployment types. One joystick-compatible operating mode provides direct high-precision alpha and beta angle measurement using a single MLX90427 IC mounted below a joystick. In environments prone to magnetic interference, a dual-sensor configuration, with one sensor per axis operating in rotary mode with SFI, is recommended. Additionally, the MLX90427’s magnetometer mode offers XYZ field measurements for applications such as jog wheels.
The MLX90427 is designed to provide engineers with access to contactless sensor technology, offering enhanced reliability over mechanical potentiometers by removing mechanical wear and drift, while aiming for lower costs than its preceding magnetic model from Melexis. For consumer and industrial equipment manufacturers, the robustness of contactless sensing can enhance the durability and longevity of devices, potentially helping engineers improve reliability and reduce maintenance costs.
The IC’s sensing functionality is supported by an analog-to-digital converter (ADC), a digital signal processor (DSP) for signal processing, and an output stage driver for high-speed full-duplex SPI output for communication with a master microcontroller. The MLX90427’s functional safety credentials, factory calibration, wide operating temperature range of -40°C to +160°C, and support for both 5V and 3V power supplies are intended to ensure system integration.
Atanas Dikov, Marketing Manager at Melexis, stated, “The MLX90427 is a prime example of Melexis’s dedication to pushing the reliability of contactless magnetic sensing technology into new applications. With its multifunctional capabilities and focus on cost-efficiency, this sensor will help engineers to transform the landscape of joystick and HMI applications, providing new levels of precision, reliability, and value.”
