Simultaneous-Sampling ADC delivers true 16-bit performance.

Press Release Summary:




Supplied in Pb-free TQFN package, MAX11046 eight-channel SAR ADC enables Class 0.2 precision for 220 V and measures up to 6 kV mandated by IEC 62053 and EN 50160 for polyphase power-grid monitoring and protection. Architecture provides on-chip, negative supply voltage, and true 16-bit performance is achieved via high-impedance bipolar input using single positive external supply. Input also eliminates precision external buffers on each channel, while bipolar input saves level shifter.



Original Press Release:



Simultaneous-Sampling ADC Provides "True" 16-Bit Performance for Polyphase Power-Grid Designs



Industry's first "true" 16-bit, 8-channel simultaneous-sampling SAR ADC enables Class 0.2 precision for 220V and measures up to 6kV mandated by IEC 62053 and EN 50160 for polyphase power-grid monitoring and protection.

SUNNYVALE, CA-Maxim Integrated Products (NASDAQ: MXIM) introduces the MAX11046, an 8-channel, 16-bit simultaneous-sampling ADC. An unique architecture (patent pending) provides an ultra-low-noise, on-chip, negative supply voltage. This innovation achieves true 16-bit performance from a high-impedance bipolar input using only a single positive external supply, and exceeds the regulatory requirements for Class 0.2 (0.2% of 220V) precision mandated by IEC 62053. The high impedance input eliminates precision external buffers on each channel, while the bipolar input saves a level shifter. Furthermore, simultaneous sampling eases the typical requirement for phase-adjust firmware and thus speeds end designs and time to market. Together these benefits simplify the design challenges for power-grid monitoring and measurement equipment while also providing unprecedented performance, and saving cost, area and power.

Evolving industry requirements for smart-grid design

Electricity providers are investing heavily in power-delivery infrastructure because of rising power demands and a global focus on energy conservation. As a result, advanced real-time, end-to-end powerline monitoring, measurement, and control systems are now critical elements of the new "smart grids" for both single-phase and multiphase power applications.

To achieve the Class 0.2 (i.e., 0.2% error) equipment classification over the voltage range up to 6000V (fault condition) of a 220V (nominal) system, a design must have a tolerance of ~0.06% to ensure 0.2% compliance with a design margin. These are challenging parameters which call for an ADC of ~93dB dynamic range, i.e., true 16-bit accuracy.

The MAX11046 is the industry's only 16-bit (no missing code), 8-channel, simultaneous-sampling SAR ADC that exceeds the combined industry standards of the IEC 62053 Class 0.2 and meets the 6kV transient voltage specification of EN 50160.

Unique performance features save cost and space

Traditionally, an ADC that provided a high-impedance input for bipolar signals used to require both external positive and negative supply voltages. There were competitive ADCs that offered bipolar-to-ground inputs off a single voltage supply, but they could not provide a high-impedance input and thus required an external input buffer. The MAX11046, however, provides a high-impedance bipolar input and only requires a single positive voltage to operate. The high-impedance input also avoids the costly precision operational amplifier found in traditional designs.

The MAX11046 waives the need for an external negative voltage supply. It eliminates an active input buffer for each channel, and saves up to $1 (U.S.) per channel. These cost savings are significant in applications that require multichannel simultaneous sampling like power-grid power-factor optimization for greater energy efficiency. At 8mm² per channel, moreover, the MAX11046 provides the industry's lowest area per channel, bettering the nearest competition by 67% per channel.

To ensure accurate 3-phase plus neutral wye system current and voltage measurements in real time, a single MAX11046 provides the eight simultaneous-sampling channels (four voltage and four current) instead of two competitive parts.

This new Maxim® ADC also offers the flexibility to operate the digital I/O from 2.7V to 5.25V. This eliminates the need for a level shifter, lowers the number of bypass capacitors, simplifies the design and, again, reduces cost.

The unique architecture and benefits of the MAX11046 can also be found in the MAX11044/MAX11045 and MAX11047*-MAX11049* members of the same device family. The MAX11049 provides 8 channels. The MAX11045/MAX11048* are 6-channel devices, while the MAX11044/MAX11047 are 4-channel devices. The MAX11044/MAX11045 have a ±5V input range, and the MAX11047-MAX11049 have a 0 to 5V input range.

The MAX11046 is available in a lead-free, 56-pin TQFN package. Prices for MAX11046 start at $15.90 (1000-up, FOB USA). An EV (evaluation) kit is available now (the MAX11046EVKIT+). For more information please visit: www.maxim-ic.com/16-bit-ADC.

Maxim Integrated Products is a publicly traded company that designs, manufactures, and sells high-performance semiconductor products. The Company was founded over 25 years ago with the mission to deliver innovative analog and mixed-signal engineering solutions that add value to its customers' products. To date, it has developed over 6200 products serving the industrial, communications, consumer, and computing markets.

Maxim reported revenue in excess of $1.6 billion for fiscal 2009. A Fortune 1000 company, Maxim is included in the Nasdaq 100, the Russell 1000, and the MSCI USA indices. For more information, go to www.maxim-ic.com.

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