Melexis launches intelligent OLED controller for automotive applications

Melexis, a global microelectronics engineering company, has introduced the MLX81130, a highly integrated, intelligent controller allowing both LEDs and OLEDs to be driven by a single device. Designed to support ASIL B system integration, the MLX81130 in a QFN 5×5 package features 25 programmable constant-current sources. It has been designed to operate in single-master, multiple-slave configurations.

Each MLX81130 can drive 25 LEDs/OLEDs and it supports the Melexis Light Bus (MeLiBu) interface. It allows simpler static and animated lighting system development. It’s especially suitable for rear combination lamps (RCL) or small OLED displays.

“Lighting applications are becoming more sophisticated. Manufacturers start using OLED technology. This offers improved uniformity, efficiency and design possibilities, thanks to its smaller size,” explained Michael Bender, product line manager Embedded Lighting at Melexis. “Together with its high speed communication Interface MeLiBu, the MLX81130 is a pioneer in its ability to support both OLEDs and LEDs, allowing automotive manufacturers to realize value-added exterior lighting features more cost-effectively.”

Automotive engineers will appreciate that using LEDs alongside OLEDs typically requires two types of drivers, with two controllers and possibly two entire sub-systems that are not easily integrated. The MLX81130 overcomes this, thanks to independently programmable outputs that can drive both LEDs and OLEDs.

Each device can drive up to 25 independent LEDs or 8 RGB LEDs, while supporting the extended threshold range needed by OLEDs. The MLX81130 has been designed to support multiple-slave configurations, meaning the total number of LEDs/OLEDs that can be controlled by one Master is almost unlimited.

Each constant current output is controlled through the integrated 16-bit MLX16 FX pipelined microcontroller, supported by a 32-bit math co-processor and 32 KB of Flash. Two watchdog timers with independent clocks and a 10-bit ADC are also provided. Outputs can be controlled via PWM.

These output currents are programmable in steps of 1mA between 0mA and 15mA, then 2mA steps up to 30mA per output, responding to the market’s needs. For even more output current, multiple MLX81130 outputs can be bridged.