Microchip Technology (Korea Representative: Byung-Don Han), a global specialist in microcontroller, analog, and flash IP solutions, today unveiled its next-generation energy measurement analog front-end (AFE), the MCP3911. This product features industry-leading accuracy (94.5 dB SINAD and 106.5 dB THD) and integrates two 24-bit delta-sigma ADCs operating at 3V. This enables accurate measurements from startup current to peak current, providing superior energy metering and power monitoring performance, as well as allowing for faster calibration during mass production. Additionally, it supports four different power modes, allowing for the flexible implementation of designs ranging from extremely low power as low as 0.8 mA per channel to designs for high-speed signals and harmonic content. The operating temperature range has also been extended to -40°C to +125°C.

The MCP3911 simplifies the interface by operating on the same power rail as the microcontroller, with an analog and digital operating voltage range of 2.7 to 3.6 V. It also includes a PGA for each channel and an internal voltage reference with a low temperature coefficient, enabling a wider variety of metering and monitoring designs.

As global energy metering infrastructure is upgraded and the power monitoring market expands, designers of energy measurement and other signal acquisition applications are seeking ways to improve performance while lowering costs. Microchip meets these requirements with an industry-leading AFE, reducing costs by decreasing the number of required power rails and external components, while also lowering power consumption through low-power modes.

Bryan J. Ridyard of Microchip’s Analog and Interface Products Division “Microchip is enabling the rapid global adoption of high-performance smart meters by expanding its industry-leading analog front-end line for energy measurement,” said Liddiard, Vice President of Marketing. “Thanks to the combination of industry-leading accuracy and Microchip’s extensive PIC® microcontroller family, designers are now able to build the industry’s highest-performing energy meters and power monitors at the lowest costs.”

Development support
Microchip also announced development tools for the new AFE. The MCP3911 evaluation board for 16-bit MCUs (part number: ADM00398, $79.99) is currently available for purchase via microchipDIRECT ( http://www.microchip.com/get/VFFT ).

supply
The MCP3911 is currently available for samples and mass production and is offered in 20-pin SSOP and QFN packages. For more information, please contact a Microchip sales representative or an authorized distributor worldwide, or visit the Microchip website ( http://www.microchip.com/get/XA2A ). The products mentioned in this press release can be purchased by visiting Microchip Direct or contacting an authorized Microchip distributor partner.

About Microchip Technology
Microchip Technology (NASDAQ: MCHP) is a global specialist in microcontroller, analog, and flash IP solutions, providing a wide range of customer applications that enable lower product development risk, lower overall system costs, and faster time-to-market. Microchip, headquartered in Chandler, Arizona, USA, boasts excellent technical support capabilities along with reliable product supply and quality. More information can be found on the Microchip website ( http://www.microchip.com/get/88ML ).