MAX2990:10kHz to 490kHz OFDM-Based Power Line Communications Modem

Industry's First OFDM-Based Power Line Communication Modem Delivering 100kbps in the 10kHz to 490kHz Frequency Bands

The MAX2990 power line communication (PLC) baseband modem delivers a cost-effective, reliable, half-duplex asynchronous data communication over AC or DC power lines at speeds up to 100kbps. The MAX2990 is a highly integrated system-on-chip (SoC) that combines the physical (PHY) and media access control (MAC) layers using Maxim's 16-bit MAXQ microcontroller core. The MAX2990 utilizes OFDM modulation techniques to enable robust data communication using the same electrical network that supplies power to all other devices on the network. The MAX2990 includes the MAXQ microcontroller core. The MAXQ is a 16-bit RISC microcontroller with 32kB flash memory, 5.12kB of ROM, and 8kB SRAM, of which 4kB that can be simultaneously accessed by the MCU and the PHY. The MAX2990 is integrated with modules for serial communication (SPI™, I²C, UART) and a real-time clock (RTC) for time stamping, in addition to standard blocks such as timers, GPIO, and external interrupts. The MAX2990 transceiver is based on an orthogonal frequency division multiplexing (OFDM) technique that allows robust data transmission over poor channel conditions specifically for environments with impulsive noise. OFDM with binary phase shift key (BPSK) and forward error correcting (FEC) blocks are used because of their inherent adaptability in the presence of frequency selective channels without the use of equalizers, resilience to jammer signals, robust communications in the presence of group delay spread, and robustness to impulsive noise. The MAX2990 features jammer cancellation that removes constant sinusoidal interference signals for FCC and ARIB bands. Privacy is provided by DES encryption. The MAX2990 is available in a 64-pin LQFP package and is specified over the -40°C to +85°C extended temperature range.

Key Features
  • Combines the Physical Layer (PHY) and Media Access Controller (MAC)
  • Integrated Microcontroller with 32kB Password-Protected Flash Memory and 8kB SRAM
  • Maximum Effective Data Rate in Normal Mode
    • 32kbps at 10kHz to 95kHz and 100kbps at 10kHz to 490kHz
  • Complies with
    • CENELEC A (10kHz to 95kHz)
    • CENELEC B (95kHz to 120kHz)
    • CENELEC C (120kHz to 140kHz)
    • FCC (10kHz to 490kHz)
    • ARIB (10kHz to 450kHz)
  • Includes Forward Error Correction (FEC) Mechanism and CRC16
  • Includes Fast DES Engine as the Encryption/Decryption Coprocessor and CRC32
  • Jammer Cancellation for FCC and ARIB
  • User-Configured Start and End Operating Frequency
  • Carrier Sense Multiple Access/Collision Avoidance (CSMA/CA) Channel Access Arbitration
  • Automatic Repeat Request (ARQ) to Enhance Error Detection and Improve Data Reliability
  • Supports SPI, I²C, and UART Interfaces
  • Real-Time Clock (RTC)
  • PWM Counters
  • Built-In Test Mode Engine for Identifying Channel Conditions
MAX2990: Functional Diagram
MAX2990: Functional Diagram
Applications/Uses
  • Automatic Meter Reading
  • Building Automation
  • Heating Ventilation and Air Conditioning (HVAC)
  • Home Automation
  • Industrial Automation
  • Lighting Control
  • Remote Monitoring and Control
  • Security Systems/Keyless Entry
  • Sensor Control and Data Acquisition
  • Voice-Over-Powerline
DataSheet
titleDownload file
MAX2990 Data SheetMAX2990.pdf
Parametrics
Part NumberFrequency BandData Rate
(Mbps)
ComplianceSecurity FeaturesInterfaceCompatibilityFunctionsPackage/PinsOper. Temp.
(°C)
max
MAX299010kHz to 490kHz0.1ARIB
CENELEC
FCC
56-DES Encryption and Key ManagementI2C
SPI
Serial
UART
OFDM PLCNarrowband ModemLQFP/64-40 to +85
Design kits & evaluation modules
Quality and Environmental Data
Related Products
  • MAX2991:Power-Line Communications (PLC) Integrated Analog Front-End Transceiver
Ordering Information
Part NumberStatusRecommended ReplacementPackageTempRoHS
MAX2990ECB+ActiveLQFP,;64 pin;148.8 mm²-40°C to +85°CLead Free
MAX2990ECB+TActiveLQFP,;64 pin;148.8 mm²-40°C to +85°CLead Free
MAX2990.pdf MAX2990
MAX2990.pdf MAX2990
MAX2990.pdf MAX2990
An Overview, History, and Formation of IEEE P1901.2 for Narrowband OFDM PLC MAX2992
Overcoming Smart Grid Communications Challenges with Orthogonal Frequency Division Multiplexing (OFDM) and IEEE 1901.2 MAX2992
MAX2990 Integrated Power-Line Digital Transceiver Programming Manual MAX2990EVKIT
MAX2990.pdf MAX2990