Melexis extends its family of smart LIN slave ICs with a reconfigurable LIN switch slave. MLX80103 can be used to interface with any door, roof, seat, steering wheel, dashboard, HVAC, light control or similar switch module. The integration of LIN physical layer, voltage regulator and integrated application IOs results in a reduction in component cost.

The LIN protocol handler meets the current LIN 2.0 standard and can be  extended for future LIN 2.1. The MLX80103 draws less than 30uA of current in sleep mode and it is wake up capable via the LIN Bus as well as via the switches. The LIN switch slave can be configured to read out up to 34 switches in matrix configuration or as single switches. The information of up to 2 digital encoded rotary switches, is provided on request of the LIN master. Three high voltage protected, analog inputs can convert any analog signal including the battery supply, resistive encoders and resistive switches. To illuminate the switch module panel, 3 slew rate limited, open drain PWM outputs are available with configurable output currents up to 50mA. With a message from the LIN master the LED output intensity can be adjusted according to OEM specific requirements. The current range can be further extended to drive multiple LEDs in parallel, or, by using external bipolar transistors, it can drive switching relays.

Mass production has started and samples are available today