Powerline communication chipset

3 February 2010 Telecoms, Datacoms, Wireless, IoT

Maxim has introduced a two-chip, powerline networking solution comprised of the MAX2986, a PHY/MAC digital transceiver, and the MAX2980 analog front-end.

Extensive programmability and access to the MAC application programming interface (API) ensure that one hardware design can meet disparate regulations with minor software modifications.

The MAX2986 uses Maxim’s advanced OFDM powerline engine with adaptive data rates up to 14 Mbps. With access to the MAC API, a client application can run alongside the powerline MAC on the same processor and communicate with the internal MAC functions; this API feature can potentially save designers an external microcontroller. The API also provides access to the MAC Ethernet/MII/USB/UART drivers, interrupt vectors, GPIOs and powerline modem PHY to modify spectral shaping and tone notching to help conform to local regulatory regimes. A 56-bit DES encryption scheme with key management is provided for high security in data transmission. In addition, the MAX2986 offers on-chip support for USB, Ethernet and MII/rMII/FIFO host interfaces for data-rich applications.

The MAX2980 analog front-end and line-driver device includes an ADC, DAC, filters and line driver. The device is interoperable with any third-party PHY/MAC products.

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