
PTC-01
Software for MLX90215
PTC-01 Programmer User’s Manual Rev 1.2 15/NOV/2001 Page 19
Section 8 Application Support
Systematic Approach for Calibrating the Sensor
The MLX90215 is a versatile product with many possible adjustments. The versatility of the product can sim-
plify a design and improve accuracy. As with any product with multiple adjustments a good procedure is
needed to efficiently use the device. Randomly making adjustments will add time and difficulty for the user
calibrating a sensor. However, by taking a systematic approach sensors can be calibrated quickly and with
relative ease.
The PTC software has an effective automated calibration tool. This section describes the process used in
the automated calibration tool. Understanding the calibration process will help developers create new prod-
ucts, diagnose problems, and improve performance. The following information provides a general approach
to programming the MLX90215. Upon request Melexis will provide any additional information or specific
technical support.
Programming Procedure
1. Read the MLX90215 datasheet. Using the datasheet try to estimate some of the parameters. Make sure
the target specifications are within the limits of the devices.
2. Determine the TC parameter. This should be the first fixed parameter and used throughout the program-
ming process. TC parameter should be determined from either the magnet manufacturers technical specifi-
cations and recommendations or from experimental data.
3. Adjust the sensor’s sensitivity. The term sensitivity also refers to gain, slope, and voltage span per unit.
Usually the unit of measure is fixed and the sensitivity is adjusted to achieve the specified voltage span. The
rough gain and direction of slope parameters should be set first and fine adjustments made with the fine
gain. Try to avoid clipping or saturating the device output when adjusting the gain.
4. Adjust the offset. The offset refers to the output voltage at zero field. It can be adjusted to hit specific out-
put targets. First set the 1/2 Vdd parameter and use the Offset DAC for fine adjustments.
5. Set the clamp parameter.
6. Verify the results
7. Set the Memlock and Zap the sensor.
Note: All adjustments are made in RAM. Not all of the parameters are needed for every the application.
Extra precaution: The parameters should zapped before setting the memlock bit. The ROM can then be veri-
fied or read back to ensure the proper bits are set. As the final step the memlock bit can be individually
zapped.
The example on the following page shows a current sensor application using an MLX90215 being calibrated
using the previous method. The graphs depict the sensor output during the calibration process. The target
specifications are listed below.
+/- 100 Amps over a three Volt span
Output must be 2.5 Volts at 0 Amps.
Output must saturate at 0.5 and 4.5 volts.