Maxim MAX2982 transceiver for harsh industrial environments

Maxim has introduced the MAX2982, said to be the first broadband, HomePlug 1.0-compliant, powerline communications transceiver for harsh industrial environments. It is integrated and offers design flexibility. An enhanced ‘robust’ mode provides a receiver that operates at -1dB signal-to-noise ratio to ensure reliable communications in noise.

The device operates from -40 to +105°C and is qualified under AEC-Q100-Rev-G for harsh applications.

The transceiver is optimised for high-performance, real-time control and motor vehicle applications. The device’s low-latency 333 µs response time and 14 Mbps data rate support high-bandwidth data from large arrays of automated equipment in a single network.

With its 512-address bridge table and point-to-multipoint addressing, it records, monitors and controls hundreds of HomePlug modems in a network.

Optional firmware delivers additional noise immunity to improve the communication range even further. The 56-bit DES/triple-DES (3DES) encryption with key management ensures secure communication.

It is fully compliant with HomePlug 1.0 and its programmable application interface enables market-optimised firmware. A full range of interfaces includes 10/100 ethernet, UART, USB, JTAG, MII, RMII and high-speed FIFO.

Boot code options allow application-specific MAX/PHY profiles and each profile can be optimised for a variety of parameters. An upgradeable MAC enables application-specific spectral shaping, including bandwidth and notching capabilities.

There are 24 general-purpose input/output (GPIO) pins for data handshaking and signalling across a network.