Microchip offers a single IC approach for dual-mode power monitoring. Source: Microchip Technology Inc.Microchip’s MCP39F511A dual-mode power monitoring integrated circuit (IC) is designed to take the place of the multiple IC approach that is typically implemented in systems that use both AC and DC power. Applications for such systems are growing; these include solar inverters, smart lighting and cloud servers employing AC as a main power source and DC as a backup — or vice versa.
The device measures both AC and DC modes, automatically sensing power supply types and switching between modes to optimize results. It offers 0.1% error across a wide 4000:1 range; to simplify calibration procedures and support accuracy requirements, two 24-bit delta-sigma analog-to-digital converters (ADCs) with 94.5 dB of signal-to-noise ratio plus distortion (SINAD) performance and a 16-bit calculation engine are included.
Suitable for a range of consumer, IoT and industrial applications, the MCP39F511A can reduce bill of materials cost and firmware development time. It also helps developers troubleshoot issues with an on-chip electrically erasable programmable read-only memory (EEPROM) that logs critical events, as well as an integrated low-drift voltage reference and internal oscillator that can reduce implementation costs.
Standard power calculations such as active, reactive and apparent power, active and reactive energy, root-mean-square (RMS) current and voltage, line frequency and power factor are provided by the IC. Also integrated are advanced features such as auto-save and auto-load of power quantities to and from the EEPROM at power loss or start, designed to ensure that measurement results are never lost if power is disrupted unexpectedly.
Support is provided by the MCP39F511A Power Monitor Demonstration Board (ADM00667), a single-phase power and energy monitoring system. The system calculates and displays active power, reactive power, RMS current, RMS voltage, active energy (both import and export) and four-quadrant reactive energy. It connects through USB to offer automated control for evaluation of all system configuration settings.
Both the MCP39F511A and the ADM00667 are available through microchipDIRECT.
