AFE031 - Powerline Communications Analog Front End

The AFE031 is a low-cost, integrated, powerline communications (PLC) analog front-end (AFE) device that is capable of capacitive- or transformer-coupled connections to the powerline while under the control of a DSP or microcontroller. It is ideal for driving low-impedance lines that require up to 1.5 A into reactive loads. The integrated receiver is able to detect signals down to 20 µV_RMS and is capable of a wide range of gain options to adapt to varying inputsignal conditions. This monolithic integrated circuit provides high reliability in demanding powerline communications applications.

The AFE031 transmit power amplifier operates from a single supply in the range of 7 V to 24 V. At maximum output current, a wide output swing provides a 12-V_PP (I_OUT = 1.5 A) capability with a nominal 15-V supply. The analog and digital signal processing circuitry operates from a single 3.3-V power supply.

The AFE031 is internally protected against overtemperature and short-circuit conditions. It also provides an adjustable current limit. An interrupt output is provided that indicates both current limit and thermal limit. There is also a shutdown pin that can be used to quickly put the device into its lowest power state. Through the four-wire serial peripheral interface, or SPI™, each functional block can be enabled or disabled to optimize power dissipation.

The AFE031 is housed in a thermally-enhanced, surface-mount PowerPAD package (QFN-48). Operation is specified over the extended industrial junction temperature range of –40°C to +125°C.

• Integrated Powerline Driver with Thermal and Overcurrent Protection
• Conforms to EN50065-1
• PRIME Certified
• Large Output Swing: 12 V_PP at 1.5 A
  (15-V Supply)
• Low Power Consumption:
  15 mW (Receive Mode)
• Programmable Tx and Rx Filters
• Supports EN50065 CENELEC Bands A, B, C, D
• Supports FSK, S-FSK, and OFDM
• Supports PRIME, G3, IEC 61334
• Receive Sensitivity: 20 µV_RMS, Typical
• Programmable Tx and Rx Gain Control
• Four-Wire Serial Peripheral Interface
• Two Integrated Zero Crossing Detectors
• Two-Wire Transceiver Buffer
• 48-Pin QFN PowerPAD™ Package
• Extended Junction Temperature Range:
  –40°C to +125°C