MLX90215
Position Programmable Linear Hall Effect Sensor
(2) If VOQ is programmed beyond these limits, the temperature compensation may become a problem at high temperatures. It is not
recommended to program values of VOQ below 1V or above 4V when sensitivity exceeds 100 mV/mT. Temperature instability can occur
on some devices under these conditions.
(3) Bandwidth is related to the sample rate and ROUGHGAIN. Bandwidth is estimated by (sample rate / 30)
(4) Peak to Peak Noise is a function of ROUGHGAIN setting. See figure on Peak to Peak Noise versus Sensitivity.
(5) Sensitivity drift is independent of other parameters and does not include individual tolerances ( VOQ or VOQ/ T). The tolerance for
sensitivity ±1% of its initial value. This does not include tolerance stack-up.
(6) If the step input occurs in the middle of a sample interval, the small signal response delay will double. For ROUGHGAIN
values less than or equal to 3, response time may be limited by the slew rate.
(7) 1 mT = 10 Gauss
7. How does it work?
The MLX90215 programming is done through the output pin, by changing supply voltage levels. Please
note that the VDD is raised to approximately 13V and 18V during programming. Any connected
components must also tolerate this voltage excursion. When the supply voltage is at 4.5V to 5.5V, the
output behaves normally. If the supply voltage is raised to 13V, the output then behaves as an input, or
LOAD mode, allowing the 37-bit word to be clocked in. All data is loaded through a single line, with no
dedicated clock signal. Clock and data are integrated into one signal which is initiated with the beginning
of the LOAD sequence, then clocked with the positive edge of each bit. Variables are changed with the
PC software and loaded into the temporary register of the device (RAM) via the timings of the
programmer’s microcontroller. Data can be loaded as many times as desired while in LOAD mode. Once
a word is loaded, results are checked by observing the output voltage. This can be done with an external
Voltmeter attached directly to pin 4 of the device, or with the internal ADC of the programmer. Once the
desired program is loaded, the word can be “Zapped” permanently into ROM. This is done when the
supply voltage rises above 18V, or ZAP mode, creating enough current to “Zap” 31 zener diodes which
correspond to the temporary register. The ZAP function is a one-time function and cannot be erased.
The above description is only for reference. The voltage levels and data transfer rates are completely
controlled by the ASIC programmer. For more information on the programmer hardware, contact
Melexis and request a datasheet for the programmer.
Programming The Quiescent Offset Voltage (VOQ)10 bits, 1024 steps of resolution, are allotted to adjust
the Quiescent Offset Voltage (VOQ). By utilizing the HALFVDD function, the VOQ can be set to one of two
ranges. With the HALFVDD function disabled, the VOQ can be programmed within a range of 10% to 90%
VDD with about 5mV per step resolution. With the HALFVDD function enabled, the device may be
programmed within a 2V to 3V window with less than 1mV per step resolution.
Programming the Sensitivity (Gain)
The sensitivity is programmed with a ROUGHGAIN and a FINEGAIN adjustment. The ROUGHGAIN is
adjusted by utilizing three bits, or 8 increments. The FINEGAIN is programmed with 10 bits or 1024
increments. The sensitivity can be programmed within a range of 5mV/mT to 140mV/mT. Another 1-bit
function allows the direction of the sensitivity to be reversed. The INVERTSLOPE function, when
activated, will cause the Voltage output of the MLX90215 to decrease in the presence of a South
magnetic field, and to increase in the presence of a North magnetic field. Table 2 expresses examples of
sensitivity resulting from programming ROUGH GAIN and FINE GAIN codes, with the INVERT SLOPE
function turned off.
Note: Tables 1 and 2 are examples how various codes affect the device. Output voltage will vary slightly
from device to device. Use these tables for reference only.
REVISION 009 - AUGUST 21, 2017
3901090215
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