Melexis has introduced a new versatile, fully integrated and programmable sensor interface solution for automotive and industrial applications. The MLX90320 provides amplification, calibration and temperature compensation for virtually all kinds of resistive bridge type sensors including pressure transducers, strain gauges and position sensors.

With very few additional components the MLX90320 will amplify an analog ratiometric input signal to achieve the desired output signal. This output signal can be corrected for sensitivity and offset errors due to temperature effects. The MLX90320 calibrates the sensor output by nulling the offset voltage and by applying the appropriate signal gain to calibrate the output voltage span between 0 V and 5 V. Error calibration is accomplished via various DACs. The digital coefficients, which determine the calibration parameters, are stored in an on-chip EEPROM. Both gain and offset have coarse and fine DACs, allowing an accurate calibration over a wide range of input errors.

Other features include an operating temperature range of — 40 °C to 150 °C, clamping detection and fault/diagnosis modes, and overvoltage and reverse polarity protection. It enables programming in the production environment post assembly. Among the possible applications are pressure sensors, steering systems (torque sensors), safety restraint systems (seat occupant detection), braking systems (ABS, force), comfort systems (air conditioning) and engine management (injection).

The MLX90320 is sampling in an SSOP14 package, and a development board with Microsoft Windows-compatible control and EEPROM programming software are also available from stock.
Melexis • +32 13 67 07 95
www.melexis.com