Melexis' MLX90391 low-power 3D magnetometer supplies smart utility meters with robust tampering protection up to 500 mT, targeting cost-sensitive, high-volume applications. The compact sensor, which delivers on-the-fly flexibility and wide selectable ranges, offers a contactless solution for upgrading rotary, linear, and HMI controls in smart-home devices and white goods.

The MLX90391 leverages the company's vertical Hall technology, combining a flexible digital architecture, low-power operation, and compact integration for high-volume meter deployments. Measuring magnetic fields across three axes, it allows engineers to select from ±65-, ±130-, ±260-, and ±520-mT ranges. Thus, the same IC can address both sensitive position measurement and high-field anti-tamper detection. 

The MLX90391 comes in a standard TSOT23-6L package with matching pinout and familiar I²C-compatible digital interface support for pin-to-pin replacement of legacy devices, reducing PCB redesign effort, qualification overhead, and time to production.

Features include a 16-bit digital output for magnetic and temperature data, runtime-selectable modes, individually selectable magnetic axes, and an integrated, configurable digital filter. Three wake-up-on-change/interrupt modes allow the wider system to remain in deep sleep until the IC detects a defined magnetic field change. Data-ready output and externally synchronized measurement support MCU coordination in more complex sensing architectures.

With a 5-nA power-down mode, 1.7- to 3.6-V supply range, and –40 to 125°C ambient temperature operation, the device is suited for compact, duty-cycled sensing nodes. It provides a reliable choice for compact HMI functions where mechanical switches, sliders, or potentiometers could introduce wear, tolerance issues, and reliability constraints.

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