Maxim has introduced a new chipset, combining the MAXQ3108 and DS8102, that aims to reduce the bill of materials cost of a polyphase energy meter. Together, the two devices replace three high-cost current transformers with three low-cost shunts to save both cost and space.
The DS8102 contains two high-precision second-order delta-sigma modulators with programmable gains up to 32x. The modulators’ outputs are encoded into a single bit stream to minimise the isolation and data-coupling cost. The data processing is carried out in the MAXQ3108, a dual-core microcontroller that accepts three DS8102 output bit streams, then decodes and decimates that data to produce raw ADC samples across a wide dynamic range. The ADC samples are fed into the MAXQ3108’s integrated digital signal processor that computes the power, energy, power factors and RMS voltage and current parameters required for a multifunction electricity meter.
The MAXQ3108’s DSP is also programmable, making the chipset suitable for a wide variety of industrial data acquisition applications where isolation between the physical signals and the data acquisition instrument is required. Reference designs are available for assistance.
A three-phase meter uses three DS8102s and one MAXQ3108. Each DS8102 floats on the respective phase that it is measuring. A DS8102 converts the voltage and current inputs into a high-frequency digital bit stream that is then coupled to the MAXQ3108 through a low-cost capacitor. The MAXQ3108 is DC isolated from the three DS8102s, but AC coupled to them to accept the digital data bit streams from each. With each DS8102 isolated from the other phases and from the MAXQ3108, each phase can use a shunt resistor for its current sensing.
Power efficiency and robustness in electronics design
Power Electronics / Power Management
Mouser Electronics recently announced a new eBook in collaboration with Analog Devices highlighting essential strategies for optimising power systems.
Read more...USB Type-C-powered controllers Future Electronics
Power Electronics / Power Management
Diodes Incorporated has released two USB Type-C PD 3.1 extended power range sink controllers that can be embedded into battery-powered devices.
Read more...Multicell battery monitoring Altron Arrow
Power Electronics / Power Management
The LTC6811 from Analog Devices is a multicell battery stack monitor that measures up to 12 series connected battery cells with a total measurement error of less than 1,2 mV.
Read more...Full telemetry in tiny DC-DC converters RS South Africa
Power Electronics / Power Management
The FS160* series of µPOL DC-DC converters from TDK all offer full telemetry, provide increased performance, and are remarkable for extraordinary power density in the smallest sizes.
Read more...Power IC supplies 1650 W EBV Electrolink
Power Electronics / Power Management
Power Integrations has announced a two-fold increase in power output from the HiperLCS-2 chipset with the new device now being able to deliver up to 1650 W of continuous output power.
Read more...High-voltage step-down DC-DC converter Altron Arrow
Power Electronics / Power Management
The MAX17793 is a high-efficiency, high-voltage, synchronous step-down DC-DC converter with integrated MOSFETs operating over an input voltage range of 3 to 80 V.
Read more...High-voltage contactors RS South Africa
Power Electronics / Power Management
TDK Corporation has announced two new additions to its high-voltage contactor portfolio for harsh environments: the HVC43MC with integrated mirror contact and the HVC45 with enhanced short-circuit current handling capability.
Read more...Chokes rated at 36 A RS South Africa
Power Electronics / Power Management
TDK Corporation has launched the EPCOS SurfIND series, a new range of current-compensated ring core double chokes for high currents and surface mounting.
Read more...RF arrestor provides robust protection RFiber Solutions
Power Electronics / Power Management
NexTek’s range of coaxial RF surge and lightning arrestors are designed and built to provide robust protection for any radio or coaxial RF transmission application.
Read more...Wide-Bandgap Developer Forum 2025
Power Electronics / Power Management
To give designers the ultimate in design flexibility, the entire range of WBG power semiconductors will be provided including discretes, modules, and highly integrated solutions ranging from 40 V to 700 V for GaN and 400 V to 3,3 kV for SiC.