Monitor and Gather Smart Electricity Distribution Data Faster and More Accurately with Real-Time Measurements

SAN JOSE, Calif., May 14, 2014 /PRNewswire/ -- Utilities and infrastructure providers can now simultaneously and accurately measure distributed power grid data with Petaluma (MAXREFDES30#), a subsystem reference design from Maxim Integrated Products, Inc. (NASDAQ: MXIM).

Utility organizations worldwide are deploying more robust applications that require highly accurate distributed grid status data to leverage distributed generation technologies such as solar and wind power. Voltage and current measurements must be gathered simultaneously for all lines, so the utility can understand the timing among phases and ensure maximum uptime across the grid. Petaluma is a high-speed, simultaneous-sampling, 8-channel analog input front-end (AFE) that monitors grid data simultaneously from all phases, so grid managers can optimize their distribution automation signal chain.

Petaluma is tuned to the 50Hz to 60Hz signal to match power grids around the world. The simultaneous sampling of three phases is done with low power consumption in the 1W range.  Its high-speed sample rate (250ksps per channel) comes with 16-bit accuracy, allowing for quick responses to grid fault conditions. Petaluma performs well in any application that requires multiple simultaneous sampling of analog inputs, such as multiphase motor control and industrial vibration sensing, to accurately calculate instantaneous power consumption.

Key Advantages

• High accuracy: a 16-bit ADC and external voltage reference provide the highest possible accuracy of 0.02% and a 3ppm/°C maximum temperature coefficient.
• Simultaneous sampling: the subsystem includes eight high-speed 250ksps simultaneous-sampling analog input channels that accept ±10V input signals.
• Low power: Petaluma has low power consumption in the 1W range.

Commentary

• "Petaluma was developed as an analog front-end solution ideally suited for the distribution automation grid," said David Andeen, Reference Design Manager at Maxim Integrated. "The subsystem reference design's high sample range of 250ksps per channel ensures accurate capture of fault events so utilities can take immediate action within a single cycle."
• "Utilities deploying smart grid infrastructure can benefit from a complete signal-chain AFE subsystem solution for energy measurement on the smart grid," said Jacob Rodrigues Pereira, IHS analyst for smart utilities infrastructure. "As power grids become increasingly distributed, it is increasingly valuable to have distributed measurement solutions that simultaneously and efficiently sample multiple channels while still providing highly accurate points of measurement."

Pricing

• Pricing is available upon request.
• For information on other reference designs, please visit Maxim's Reference Design Center.

Hi-res images for the Petaluma end application and block diagram are available.

About Maxim Integrated

At Maxim Integrated, our designs make the world more integrated. And with analog integration, the possibilities are endless. In Fiscal 2013, we reported revenues of $2.4 billion.

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SOURCE Maxim Integrated