Melexis Revolutionizes Automotive Lighting with Compact LED Drivers

Melexis has introduced the MLX81123 as a new addition to its Lin RGB family. Ambient LED lighting is becoming increasingly important for car manufacturers since it enhances user experience and helps brands stand out visually. Since automakers are using ambient lighting extensively in their latest models, having a dependable supply chain is crucial.

The MLX81123, which follows Melexis’ popular MLX81113, comes in soic8 and compact 3x3mm DFN-8 packaging. This makes it possible to install lighting in nearly any part of the vehicle, overcoming previous space limitations.

Thanks to silicon-on-insulator (SoI) technology, more integrated circuits can fit on each wafer. This technology helps produce one of the smallest RGB Lin IC controllers available, boosting production output. The MLX81123 is software-compatible and pin-compatible (soic8) with its predecessor, allowing it to be used in existing designs without needing a complete redevelopment.

The device supports RGB lighting according to Lin 2.x and SAE J2602 standards and is suitable for systems up to Asil B under ISO 26262. It features a 16-bit microcontroller with 2KB of RAM, 32KB of application-usable flash, and system ROM with a bootloader and Lin driver. Additionally, it has a built-in 512-byte EEPROM for configuration settings like LED calibration coefficients to ensure consistent cabin brightness and color.

The Lin system incorporates a transceiver and protocol handler for smooth integration between RGB ambient modules and the vehicle’s existing Lin network. The device has four high-voltage IOs with configurable current sources up to 60mA, supporting both RGB and white LEDs from various suppliers, offering flexibility in procurement.

The IC’s 16-bit PWM output provides precise color and brightness control for connected LEDs, meeting the needs of vehicle ambient lighting applications such as door trim, accent lighting, and interior cabin lights. In sleep mode, the IC typically uses only 25µA of standby current and features a 28V jump start along with battery monitoring for over and under-voltage detection. It operates within a temperature range of -40 to +125˚C and includes a built-in temperature sensor for thermal monitoring.

“Ambient lighting has evolved from a high-end option to an essential feature in cars, creating new opportunities for customization and visual differentiation,” said Michael Bender, product line manager at Melexis. “This shift increases the demand for automotive LED controllers.”