Melexis has added the MLX90381 5 V to its Triaxis magnetic pico-resolver range, introducing a compact rotor-position sensor aimed at automotive, alternative mobility, and robotics applications. The new device uses 3D magnetic sensing and delivers fast sine and cosine analog signals, giving designers more options for incorporating position sensing into compact motor systems.
As motors continue to become smaller and more highly integrated, obtaining precise rotor-position data can be challenging, especially in designs where traditional end-of-shaft sensing is not feasible. Through-shaft motors, braking and steering systems, e-bike powertrains, and small actuators often have strict limitations on available mechanical and PCB space.
The MLX90381 5 V is designed to overcome these challenges by combining Melexis’ Triaxis Hall sensing technology with a space-saving DFN-6 package. It detects magnetic flux across three dimensions and allows designers to select between X/Y, X/Z, or Z/Y magnetic axis combinations. This flexibility means the sensor can be oriented to match the motor’s magnetic arrangement instead of being tied to one fixed sensing direction.
In side-of-shaft and through-shaft motor designs, the sensor can be positioned underneath or close to the magnetic track. This added placement freedom can simplify mechanical integration, reduce PCB area demands, and help designers accommodate positional tolerances in tightly packed motor assemblies.
The MLX90381 5 V offers a 2 µs output refresh rate and supports rotational speeds exceeding 50,000 rpm. These characteristics make it suitable for rotor position detection in DC, BLDC, and PMSM motor architectures. Programmable sensitivity and filter bandwidth offer additional options to optimize sensor behavior across different system designs, while I²C communication supports device configuration and production calibration.
The sensor measures 2.0 × 2.5 × 1.0 mm and operates across a temperature range of -40°C to +160°C. Integrated diagnostics, ASIL B SEooC capability, and AEC-Q100 qualification support its use in automotive and demanding industrial applications.
Target applications include e-valves, seat motors, door handles, braking and steering motors, e-bike drives, cadence sensing, and compact robotic actuators.
Samples of the MLX90381 5 V are available now.
