TI provides low-power, high-precision smart e-metering AFEs

Texas Instruments has introduced a new line of AFEs (analog front ends) for power monitoring and control of smart e-meters. The new ADS131E08 family is available with 8, 6 or 4 channels and in 16- or 24-bit resolution. The devices offer high integration and performance, along with low per-channel power consumption and a wide upgrade/downgrade path. When combined with the AMC1100 isolation amplifier, quad-channel ISO7241C digital isolator and 32-bit C2000™ TMS320F2812 high-performance MCU, the new ADS131E08 family provides a three-phase class 1.0 and 0.5 smart e-metering capability that minimizes power consumption while providing high linearity for accurate power measurement. The design also delivers the high-voltage isolation required to meet industry standards for power and communications in high-end industrial meters and Smart-Grid infrastructure. A free smart-metering sample kit is available today. Key features and benefits of the ADS131E08 e-metering AFE family:

• High all-around precision performance enabled by the combination of AC and DC specifications: signal-to-noise ratio of 107 dB, ENOB of up to 20.4 bits, input signal range of ±2.4 V and common-mode-rejection ratio of -110 dB. This high level of performance allows the AFEs to exceed 0.1 e-metering performance with less than 0.1 percent error for 1 to 1,000 dynamic range.
• Low power consumption at 2 mW per channel with an operating temperature range of -40 to 105 °C.
• Wide upgrade/downgrade path, with options ranging from 4 to 8 channels and 16 to 24 bits of resolution, to support a variety of smart e-metering applications, from two-phase systems to three-phase with tamper detection.
• Low price per channel at $0.74.
• Reduces board space and overall implementation size by integrating a delta-sigma ADC, FET-input PGA (programmable gain amplifier) with multi-gain options, op amp, internal reference, fault detection, and alarm comparators.