⚡️ Next-Gen Silicone Solutions for Automotive and Robotics! 🤖

[Elif Özaksu]

🚗 Groundbreaking Technologies for Electric Vehicles and Robots​

Melexis is introducing new silicon-based voltage suppression components and multi-modal sensing systems to optimize electric vehicle powertrains and robotic automation. Specifically, the MLX91299 silicon-RC snubber is designed to manage electrical transients and mechanical feedback. These hardware components are critical for electric vehicle powertrains, high-voltage infrastructures, and industrial collaborative robots.

⚡️ Suppressing High Voltage Transients​

As electric vehicle power architectures transition to higher voltages and wide-bandgap semiconductors, systems can operate at higher switching frequencies. However, these rapid switching operations create unwanted voltage overshoots and high-frequency noise. The MLX91299 silicon-RC snubber is integrated directly into switching components to suppress these voltage overshoots and oscillations. This localized suppression mechanism enhances the operational reliability of electric vehicle powertrains, DC-DC converters, and 800-volt data center power infrastructures.

🔋 Battery Safety in the Automotive Sensor Ecosystem​

Detecting battery anomalies is a primary requirement to prevent thermal runaway in electric vehicles. Melexis' updated safety portfolio includes hydrogen gas sensing in addition to standard pressure and temperature sensing. By monitoring hydrogen gas emission, the system can detect cell degradation at an earlier stage. To manage active cooling, Triphibian pressure sensing technology measures liquids, gases, and frozen media to maintain the thermal efficiency of battery cooling cycles. For vehicle dynamics, redundant magnetic and inductive position sensors provide the accurate mechanical feedback required for safety-critical X-by-wire braking and steering controls.

🤖 Precise Motion and Haptic Feedback for Robotic Automation​

In the robotics sector, collaborative robots require precise contact awareness to work safely with humans. The Tactaxis fingertip module provides multi-axis haptic feedback without requiring complex mechanical design. To improve joint movements, magnetic and inductive encoders offer compact angular position feedback. These sensors work with a new family of motor drivers that enable the implementation of precise, miniature motion sequences in robotic hand assemblies without the need for custom software development.

💡 Automotive Interfaces and Wearable Technology​

For in-car interfaces, MeLiBu LED driver technology enables dynamic, networked automotive lighting while simplifying the necessary wiring. For physical controls, contactless magnetic latches and switches replace wear-prone mechanical components in joysticks and seat adjustments. Beyond mobility applications, the company is adapting far-infrared (FIR) contactless temperature sensors for use in digital health wearables and smart devices.

🔍 Technical Details​

The introduction of integrated silicon-RC snubbers like the MLX91299 represents a shift from traditional discrete snubber circuits. These integrated components, using a silicon-based architecture, significantly reduce parasitic loop inductance and board area compared to discrete alternatives. In the robotics field, the Tactaxis module competes in the market for 3D magnetic haptic sensors. While optical and capacitive haptic arrays offer high spatial resolution, magnetic elastomer-based sensors provide superior durability against mechanical wear, shear forces, and environmental contaminants such as dust and industrial oils.