Isolated system monitor replaces five components

Maxim Integrated Products, Inc. has extended its MAXSafe integrated isolated micropower architecture line with the MAX22530, an isolated, field-side, self-powered, 4-channel, 12-bit system monitor. The MAX22530 isolated system monitor claims to improve accuracy by 50× for increased system uptime in automated and sub-station applications.

The new device enables automation system designers to improve the accuracy of monitoring voltage and current inputs with finer precision. The MAX22530 is said to deliver a 50× improvement in monitoring measurement accuracy (from +/- 50 percent to +/- 1 percent) compared to the standard linear optocoupler isolation solutions made from discretes. It uses Maxim’s unique integrated isolation technology that combines a 12-bit ADC, a DC-DC converter, user-settable threshold detection levels, and chip-level diagnostic capabilities, which enables this greater stability in current transfer ratio performance to achieve an ultra-stable sense resistor voltage.

With better measurement accuracy across four voltage and current inputs, the MAX22530 allows end users make better real-time decisions to improve system performance and enhance productivity, said the company.

In addition, the system-monitoring solution is said to reduce solution size by 40 percent by integrating five components, including an isolated DC/DC converter and 12-bit ADC. The 12-bit ADC solution also includes an integrated 1.8-V reference, programmable threshold comparators for each channel, and isolation for both data and DC/DC supply. This integration translates into a 250 mm² solution size, compared with 420 mm² size for the closest competitive discrete solution, according to Maxim.

MAX22530 block diagram (Image: Maxim Integrated)

The MAX22530 is the latest addition to the MAXSafe product portfolio that combines integrated and isolated micropower DC-DC converters and communications lines and are used to power up field circuits that are isolated from the control-side power source while simplifying diagnostics in signal monitoring applications.

The MAX22530 is available at Maxim Integrated’s website for $4.85 (1000-up, FOB USA) and through authorized distributors. The MAX22530EVKIT# evaluation kit is priced at $68.