Melexis' new pump/fan driver chip optimizes service life to new heights

     Melexis, a global microelectronics engineering company, has introduced the MLX90412GLW, a single-coil pump/fan chip with an integrated driver stage for applications with high ambient temperatures, such as automotive water pumps. The MLX90412GLW can drive pumps up to 15W in internal combustion engine (ICE) applications with a maximum operating ambient temperature of up to 135°C. It can drive water pumps up to 20W in the maximum ambient temperature range of 85°C for electric vehicles (EVs).

     The single-coil motor driver chip MLX90412GLW dedicated to automobiles has a full range of advanced protection. Hall-sensor-based single-coil water pumps have a well-known start-up reliability. With the MLX90412GLW, pump manufacturers can realize a comprehensive portfolio of water pump solutions. The MLX90412GLW can be configured with a variety of BLDC commutation options, from sine wave mode (which provides the ideal lowest noise performance for EVs relative to high torque mode) to low EMI mode (for on/off where external EMI filter components need to be minimized) drive mode) and more.

     In addition, the MLX90412GLW can not only drive the most basic switch-mode two-wire pump, but also drive a variable-speed pump through the PWM interface, and access the diagnostic feedback of the four-wire pump. three-wire pump.

     The MLX90412GLW is more integrated and requires a much lower number of external components than the conventional solutions currently available on the market. A user-friendly GUI supports configuration of all available options for quick prototyping. The entire development phase can be completed without any motor control software, enabling rapid product validation and time-to-market with minimal engineering resources.

     "We are proud to be able to provide a versatile one-stop solution for our comprehensive 20W water pump portfolio. The MLX90412GLW is a forward-looking product for challenging lifetime requirements such as battery cooling in electric vehicles ,” said Dirk Leman, product line manager for smart drives at Melexis. "This chip saves space, reduces BOM cost, and shortens development time."