AFE032 - Power Line Communications Analog Front End

The AFE032 is a low-cost, integrated, power-line communications (PLC), analog front-end (AFE) device capable of transformer-coupled connections to the power-line while under the control of a digital signal processor (DSP) or microcontroller. This device is ideal for driving high-current, low-impedance lines up to 1.9 A into reactive loads.

The integrated receiver is able to detect signals down to 10 µV_RMS (G3-FCC mode) and is capable of a wide range of gain options to adapt to varying input-signal conditions. The monolithic integrated circuit provides high reliability in demanding power-line communication applications.

The AFE032 transmit power amplifier operates from a single supply in the range of 7 V to 24 V. At typical load current (I_OUT = 1.5 A_PEAK), a wide output swing provides a 12-V_PP capability with a nominal 15-V supply.

The device is internally protected against overtemperature and short-circuit conditions. The device also provides a selectable current limit. An interrupt output is provided, indicating current limit, thermal limit, and undervoltage. A shutdown pin is also available, and can be used to quickly place the device into the lowest-power state. Each functional block can be enabled or disabled to optimize power dissipation through the serial peripheral interface (SPI).

The AFE032 is housed in a thermally-enhanced, surface-mount, PowerPAD, QFN-48 package. Operation is specified over the extended industrial junction temperature range of –40°C to +125°C.

• Supports:
  • CENELEC Bands A, B, C, D
  • ARIB STD-T84, FCC
  • FSK, SFSK, and NB-OFDM
• Conforms To:
  • EN50065-1, -2, -3, -7
  • FCC, Part 15
  • ARIB STD-T84
• Standards:
  • G3, PRIME, P1901.2, ITU-G.hnem
• Programmable Tx Low-Pass Filters and
  Rx Band-Pass Filters
• Integrated Power-Line Driver with Thermal
  and Overcurrent Protection
• Low-Power Consumption:
  • 50 mW (Receiver Mode)
• Receive Sensitivity: 10 µV_RMS (Typ)
• Four-Wire SPI Interface
• Three Integrated Zero-Crossing Detectors
• Package: QFN-48 PowerPAD
• Extended Temperature Range:
  –40°C to +125°C