Melexis Introduces Arcminaxis for Precision Position Sensing in Robotics

Historically, within many robotic designs, the highest-performance sensors have typically been selected with minimal regard for costs and maximal regard for performance. However, as robotics applications continue to broaden and manufacturers strive to enhance production or decrease costs, the careful selection of components becomes ever more paramount. For manufacturers, ensuring the affordability and simplicity of designs, all while upholding reliability and movement repeatability, is a primary concern.

The MLX90384 is the first product in Melexis’ Arcminaxis™ range. The MLX90384 provides an unmatched blend of performance and affordability. It serves as an ideal middle-ground between high-performance yet costly optical solutions, and more affordable but less effective dipole magnetic solutions.

The core differentiation of the MLX90384 is its magnet design and sensing capability. Unlike traditional multipole magnet sensors, the MLX90384 is pitch-independent and does not require a precise matching between the magnet pole size and the sensor. This allows for the use of magnets with larger and stronger magnetic poles, providing stronger signals that enable operation at large airgap. At the same time, the same sensor can be used with magnets of different size. Arcminaxis™ technology therefore provides a unique combination of key features: up to 18-bit resolution, a generous magnet-sensor placement tolerance of ±0.5 mm and a substantial 1.5mm (nominal) air gap between the magnet and integrated circuit (IC).

For robotic designs, the MLX90384’s functionality contributes to the reduction in sensor and magnet cost compared to existing multipole solutions as well as simpler design and assembly considerations, thanks to increased assembly tolerances and robustness to mechanical wearout. The MLX90384 is delivered in a TSSOP-16 package together with a magnet and a SW package to operate and calibrate the system. Melexis Arcminaxis™ also helps to open up design flexibility by providing support for off-axis, through shaft, and linear encoder applications.

“With the introduction of the new MLX90384 we are able to support the next generation of robots with an application-specific solution capable of offering the performance required at the right cost,” stated Atanas Dikov, Marketing Manager at Melexis. “This product is the first in our exciting new Arcminaxis™ range and it will soon sit alongside a variety of application-tailored solutions designed for the world of robotics.”

The MLX90384 solution, including the IC, magnet and the necessary algorithm to operate, is ready for testing. Additionally, a ready-to-run evaluation kit is also available, featuring a pre-assembled and pre-calibrated design, with a pre-programmed microcontroller.