The race to make motors quieter, smaller, and more efficient has pushed engineers to look for smarter driver ICs that don’t demand heavy software development or large board space. Melexis’ new MLX81339 is designed with that challenge in mind, a single-chip motor driver that blends field-oriented control (FOC), flash programmability, and flexible interfaces in a compact package.
Targeting 3-phase BLDC and bipolar stepper motors up to 40 W, the MLX81339 aims to speed development for applications such as server cooling fans, HVAC flaps, robotic actuators, pumps, and valve control.
Compact, Flexible and Robust
The device supports 20 W at 12 V or 40 W at 24 V, integrates a 3-phase driver with a configurable 3 A current limit, and includes over/undervoltage, overcurrent, and thermal protection. Its 6 V–26 V supply range and –40 °C to 125 °C operating temperature make it suitable for industrial and automotive use, including fans and blowers that run in harsh conditions.
With PWM, FG, I²C, UART, and SPI interfaces plus eight general-purpose I/Os, the IC can slot into both new and legacy system designs. Support for sensor-based and sensorless control allows quieter operation and reliable recovery from load transients without unexpected resets, a frequent headache for simpler drivers.
Software-Free Startups
For engineers who don’t want to start from scratch, Melexis offers its StartToRun web tool. This utility creates configuration files from a handful of mechanical and electrical parameters, taking much of the burden off firmware teams and helping projects hit time-to-market targets.
Why It Matters
Motor control is becoming a critical differentiator in everything from home appliances to industrial robotics. By combining programmability, protection, and compact packaging, the MLX81339 removes barriers for teams building smarter, smaller systems.
The MLX81339 is available now, with a code-free variant, the MLX80339, scheduled for release in Q1 2026.
Learn more and read the original article on www.melexis.com
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