Maxim Integrated Products introduces the MAX2991, a integrated analog front-end (AFE) specifically designed for OFDM-based signal transmission over power lines. As part of the new smart-grid initiatives worldwide, the MAX2991 is specifically designed for remote monitoring and control applications such as automatic meter management (AMM); home, building, and industrial automation; heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC); lighting control; and sensor control and data acquisition (SCADA) systems. The MAX2991 features both a transmit path and a receive path.

The transmit path includes a digital IIR filter followed by a 10-bit DAC, lowpass filter, and predriver; the receive path includes a lowpass filter, highpass filter, two-stage automatic gain control (AGC), and 10-bit ADC. The integrated AGC maximizes the dynamic range of the signal up to 60dB, allowing low-level signal detection in long-range communication applications, as well as the ability to cross medium-to-low voltage transformers.

The lowpass filter removes any out-of-band (OOB) noise and selects the desired frequency band to meet the new smart-grid requirements. The MAX2991 features programmable filters to support operation in the 10kHz to 490kHz band, thus ensuring compliance with worldwide regulatory standards such as CENELEC, FCC, and ARIB. Combined with Maxim's highly integrated PHY/MAC digital baseband transceivers (the MAX2990 and the G3-compliant MAX2992), the MAX2991 delivers a robust PLC solution in the market today.

Its advanced design allows operation without any external controls, enabling simplified connection to third-party PHYs. The MAX2991 is packaged in a 48-pin LQFP and is specified to operate over the -40°C to +85°C extended temperature range. Pricing starts at $6.50 (1000-up, FOB USA).