SUNNYVALE, CA—October 20, 2011—Maxim Integrated Products (NASDAQ: MXIM) has launched the MAX17497, a single-chip solution that supports all power requirements for communication and instrumentation boards in smart meters. Its high level of device integration simplifies design and provides flexibility, while also improving precision and reliability and reducing the overall solution cost and footprint. In addition to smart meter/smart grid applications, this single-power regulator is ideal for factory automation.

Demand for ultra-compact, economical power regulators

Typical competitive solutions for smart meters incorporate only flyback controllers and high-voltage FETs. These designs are typically expensive on their own, and external regulators and other discrete components must be added to complete the application. As expected, this increases the solution footprint and overall cost. Recently, power companies and energy suppliers have been seeking smaller and more economical alternatives.

A new level of high-density design

The MAX17497 was specifically designed and optimized as a multi-output solution for the industry's best smart meters. This device supports all power requirements for the communication board and instrumentation board of a smart meter.

The MAX17497 is equipped with control circuitry required for general-purpose input (85V to 265V) and non-isolated flyback power supplies. The device also adds a secondary synchronous buck regulator with a built-in MOSFET.

All these integrated functions support power for Power Line Communication (PLC) drivers or RF transceivers, PLC/RF modems (2.5V/3.3V), circuit breaker relays, and precision-tuned power for sensitive instrumentation and application System-on-Chip (SoC).

Flexibility, precision, and reliability supporting all smart meter power sources

The MAX17497 provides a new level of design flexibility. Designers can configure components for the power of smart meters regardless of the communication structure.
Flyback regulators designed to operate at 250kHz/500kHz avoid frequencies used for smart meter communication, thereby mitigating frequency interference and providing stable performance. High flyback regulator and second-order buck regulator frequencies allow for the optimization of magnetic and filter components in smart meters.
The MAX17497 also enhances overall system reliability and precision through various user-defined thresholds and protection functions. Input and overvoltage thresholds for the Under Voltage Lockout (UVLO) function are programmable. Overheating, short-circuit protection, and output power-OK signals significantly improve system stability.

The innovative MAX17497 is available in a compact 3mm x 3mm TQFN package and operates over a temperature range of -40°C to +125°C. For more information, visit http://www.maxim-ic.com/Smartergrid .