CARMEL (MAXREFDES18#): High-precision analog current/voltage output

HD pictures

In PLC and DCS systems, analog output current and voltage provide critical control and drive functions. The Carmel (MAXREFDES18#) reference design shown in Figure 1 provides flexible, programmable analog outputs that meet industrial control requirements.

The buffered voltage output of the MAX5316  16-bit precision digital-to-analog converter (DAC) drives the input of the MAX15500 programmable analog output conditioner, which provides various error reports. The MAX6126 ultra-precision voltage reference provides the basis for DACs and output conditioners. The MAX14850 provides galvanic isolation of data communications between subsystems and the system controller. Subsystems can also optionally integrate isolated, regulated power supplies using the MAX13253 transformer driver and MAX1659 and MAX1735 low-dropout (LDO) linear regulators .

The subsystem features the full typical bipolar current and voltage output ranges and corresponding subsets with a total unadjustable error (TUE) of less than 0.105%. The circuit also provides short-circuit and over-current protection, open-circuit detection, brownout detection, and over-temperature protection, all of which are critical for industrial applications. Flexible power-on options make Carmel ideal for use in powerful industrial control systems.

Figure 1. Carmel subsystem design block diagram.

Competitive Advantage

• flexibility

• system security

• Small solution size

• low cost