MAX2990

10kHz to 490kHz OFDM-Based Power Line Communications Modem

Industry's First OFDM-Based Power Line Communication Modem Delivering 100kbps in the 10kHz to 490kHz Frequency Bands

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Status Explanations for product status codes

Active: In Production.

Description

The MAX2990 power line communication (PLC) baseband modem delivers a cost-effective, reliable, half-duplex asynchronous data communication over AC or DC power lines at speeds up to 100kbps. The MAX2990 is a highly integrated system-on-chip (SoC) that combines the physical (PHY) and media access control (MAC) layers using Maxim's 16-bit MAXQ microcontroller core. The MAX2990 utilizes OFDM modulation techniques to enable robust data communication using the same electrical network that supplies power to all other devices on the network.

The MAX2990 includes the MAXQ microcontroller core. The MAXQ is a 16-bit RISC microcontroller with 32kB flash memory, 5.12kB of ROM, and 8kB SRAM, of which 4kB that can be simultaneously accessed by the MCU and the PHY. The MAX2990 is integrated with modules for serial communication (SPI™, I²C, UART) and a real-time clock (RTC) for time stamping, in addition to standard blocks such as timers, GPIO, and external interrupts.

The MAX2990 transceiver is based on an orthogonal frequency division multiplexing (OFDM) technique that allows robust data transmission over poor channel conditions specifically for environments with impulsive noise. OFDM with binary phase shift key (BPSK) and forward error correcting (FEC) blocks are used because of their inherent adaptability in the presence of frequency selective channels without the use of equalizers, resilience to jammer signals, robust communications in the presence of group delay spread, and robustness to impulsive noise. The MAX2990 features jammer cancellation that removes constant sinusoidal interference signals for FCC and ARIB bands. Privacy is provided by DES encryption.

The MAX2990 is available in a 64-pin LQFP package and is specified over the -40°C to +85°C extended temperature range.
 

Data Sheet

ABRIDGED DATA SHEET
Download this datasheet in PDF formatDownload Rev 0 (PDF, 248kB)
Request Full Data Sheet
An evaluation kit is available: MAX2990EVKIT

Key Features

  • Combines the Physical Layer (PHY) and Media Access Controller (MAC)
  • Integrated Microcontroller with 32kB Password-Protected Flash Memory and 8kB SRAM
  • Maximum Effective Data Rate in Normal Mode
    • 32kbps at 10kHz to 95kHz and 100kbps at 10kHz to 490kHz
  • Complies with
    • CENELEC A (10kHz to 95kHz)
    • CENELEC B (95kHz to 120kHz)
    • CENELEC C (120kHz to 140kHz)
    • FCC (10kHz to 490kHz)
    • ARIB (10kHz to 450kHz)
  • Includes Forward Error Correction (FEC) Mechanism and CRC16
  • Includes Fast DES Engine as the Encryption/Decryption Coprocessor and CRC32
  • Jammer Cancellation for FCC and ARIB
  • User-Configured Start and End Operating Frequency
  • Carrier Sense Multiple Access/Collision Avoidance (CSMA/CA) Channel Access Arbitration
  • Automatic Repeat Request (ARQ) to Enhance Error Detection and Improve Data Reliability
  • Supports SPI, I²C, and UART Interfaces
  • Real-Time Clock (RTC)
  • PWM Counters
  • Built-In Test Mode Engine for Identifying Channel Conditions
 

Applications/Uses

  • Automatic Meter Reading
  • Building Automation
  • Heating Ventilation and Air Conditioning (HVAC)
  • Home Automation
  • Industrial Automation
  • Lighting Control
  • Remote Monitoring and Control
  • Security Systems/Keyless Entry
  • Sensor Control and Data Acquisition
  • Voice-Over-Powerline
   

Key Specifications:

Powerline Networking Devices
Part Number Features Security Features Interface EV Kit Package/Pins Smallest Available Pckg.
(mm2)
Oper. Temp.
(°C)
Budgetary Price
max w/pins See Notes
MAX2990 
10kHz to 490kHz Frequency Band
Advanced Narrowband Interference Rejection
Compliant to FCC, CENELEC, ARIB
Data Rate Up to 100Kbps
OFDM-Based PHY
56-DES Encryption and Key Management
I2C
SPI
Serial
UART
Yes
LQFP/64
148.8 -40 to +85 $8.50 @1k
See All Powerline Networking Devices (5)
Pricing Notes:
This pricing is BUDGETARY, for comparing similar parts. Prices are in U.S. dollars and subject to change. Quantity pricing may vary substantially and international prices may differ due to local duties, taxes, fees, and exchange rates. For volume-specific prices and delivery, please see the price and availability page or contact an authorized distributor.


Application Notes

Application Note 4649   How to Write an Industry-Standard EEPROM (24C04) Using the MAX2990 I²C Interface
Tutorial 4687   LEDs Allow New Remote-Controlled Lighting Applications
User Guide 4729   MAX2990 Integrated Power-Line Digital Transceiver Programming Manual
Tutorial 5100   General Layout Guidelines for RF and Mixed-Signal PCBs

Product Guides

Communications (PDF)
Microcontrollers (PDF)
Wireless (PDF)
Wireless Infrastructure (PDF)

Reliability Reports

Reliability Report: MAX2990.pdf
Show FIT data for:

Software/Models

none

Ordering Information

Filters: Part Number: Package: Temperature: Tape and Reel Sample
Part Number Free
Sample
Buy Status Explanations for product status codes Package:
TYPE PINS FOOTPRINT
DRAWING  CODE/VAR *
Temp RoHS/Lead-Free?
Materials Analysis
MAX2990ECB+  
Active LQFP;64 pin;148.8 mm²
Outline Drawing:21-0083 (PDF)
Land Pattern: 90-0141 (PDF)
Use pkgcode/variation: C64+5*
-40°C to +85°C RoHS/Lead-Free: Lead Free
Materials Analysis
MAX2990ECB+T    
Active LQFP;64 pin;148.8 mm²
Outline Drawing:21-0083 (PDF)
Land Pattern: 90-0141 (PDF)
Use pkgcode/variation: C64+5*
-40°C to +85°C RoHS/Lead-Free: Lead Free
Materials Analysis

Notes:
  1. Other options and links for purchasing parts are listed at: http://www.maxim-ic.com/sales.
  2. Didn't Find What You Need? Ask our applications engineers. Expert assistance in finding parts, usually within one business day.
  3. Part number suffixes: T or T&R = tape and reel; + = RoHS/lead-free; # = RoHS/lead-exempt; -D = drypack; -U/+U on DS parts = cut tape. More: See Full Data Sheet or Maxim Product Naming Conventions.
  4. * Some packages have variations, listed on the drawing. "PkgCode/Variation" tells which variation the product uses. Note that "+", "#", "-" in the part number suffix describes RoHS status. Package drawings may show a different suffix character.

Notes and Comments

The advanced OFDM technology and the use of data recovery schemes such as Reed Solomon, convolutional encoding, and Viterbi, work together to achieve a very high reliability over a long range.

Similar Products by Function

MAX2991 Power-Line Communications (PLC) Integrated Analog Front-End Transceiver
See All Powerline Networking Devices (5 Products)

Similar Products by Application

Programmable Logic Controllers (PLCs) > Power Line Communications
Smart Grid Communications > Powerline Communication (PLC) Modem

Evaluation Kits

MAX2990EVKIT Evaluation Kit for the MAX2990 and MAX2991

Products with Similar Part Numbers

MAX2990EVKIT Evaluation Kit for the MAX2990 and MAX2991

More Information

New Product Press Release 2008-12-11 ] [ 2008-05-23 ]
Smart Grid Design Guide (PDF)


Didn't Find What You Need?

Information Index

Document Ref.: 19-4116 Rev 0; 2008-05-22
This page last modified: 2011-05-16


 


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