High-speed power line transceiver ensuring reliable broadband power line communication in industrial environments

HomePlug powerline transceivers capable of operating in harsh industrial conditions up to +105°C and offering high design flexibility

SUNNYVALE, CA—November 1, 2011—Maxim Integrated Products (NASDAQ: MXIM) has launched the MAX2982, the industry's first broadband, HomePlug® 1.0 compliant powerline communication transceiver for harsh industrial environments. The MAX2982 offers high integration and excellent design flexibility. An enhanced "robust" mode provides a receiver operating at a -1dB signal-to-noise ratio (SNR), ensuring reliable communication even in noisy environments. The device operates from -40°C to +105°C and is AEC-Q100-Rev-G certified for harsh applications. The MAX2982 is an easy-to-use, industrial, broadband powerline communication solution for automation and control, remote monitoring, energy management, wireless base station control and monitoring, and LANs.

Meeting industry demands for reliable cable communications

Although the industry standard HomePlug 1.0 powerline communication chipset has become a common standard for residential applications, this technology could not be utilized in many industrial and commercial applications. This was because existing products did not meet the reliability and temperature ratings required to use the technology. Furthermore, commercial and industrial powerline environments possess inherent high-noise characteristics that do not occur in most residential environments where HomePlug modems are used. Therefore, industrial applications require powerline receivers and narrowband interference cancellation circuits optimized to provide reliable performance in industrial environments. Ultimately, the automation industry desires the adoption of single-cable power and communication networks that reliably monitor and control remote sensors, systems, and motors while operating with high accuracy in harsh environments and possessing a long operating life. In other words, it requires reliable power line networks with proven performance suitable for industry. With the launch of the MAX2982, it is now possible to provide a solution that meets these industry demands.

Provides broadband power line communication for AC or DC lines as well as single-cable power and control.

The MAX2982 is optimized for high-performance, real-time control, and automation applications. With a low latency response time of 333μs and a data rate of 14Mbps, the device supports high-bandwidth data from large arrays of automated equipment on a single network. Using a 512-address bridge table and point-to-multipoint addressing, the MAX2982 records, monitors, and controls hundreds of HomePlug modems on a network. This technology eliminates the need for traditional long dedicated communication cables. Firmware options provide additional noise immunity to further enhance communication range. 56-bit DES/triple-DES (3DES) encryption with key management capabilities ensures secure communication.

Rochus Hien, Senior R&D Specialist at SEW Eurodrive, stated, “We are collaborating with Maxim to supply optimized power line communication solutions required for high-reliability industrial automation products. Maxim possesses accumulated experience in power line technology and wide-temperature range components,” adding, “The MAX2982 provides the reliable power line communication, low latency, and high speeds we need to supply industry-leading products.” James Bates, Head of Signal Processing and Conversion at Maxim, said, "We are pleased to be able to demonstrate the value that Maxim® power line products can provide to industrial applications together with SEW Eurodrive."

Implementation of applications optimized with an open architecture

The MAX2982 is fully compliant with HomePlug 1.0, and its programmable application interface enables market-optimized firmware. The complete interface includes 10/100 Ethernet, UART, USB, JTAG, MII, RMII, and a high-speed FIFO. Boot code options allow for the creation of MAX/PHY profiles tailored to the application, and each profile can be optimized for various parameters. The upgradeable MAC provides application-specific spectrum shaping, including bandwidth and notching capabilities. Additionally, 24 General Purpose Input/Output (GPIO) pins are provided for data handshake and signaling over networks.

The MAX2982 transceiver can be combined with the MAX2981 powerline analog front-end (AFE) and line driver to form a complete broadband powerline chipset. The MAX2982 is available in a 128-pin lead-free LQFP package. For more information, visit www.maxim-ic.com/Industrial-PLC .