Three new low-power reference designs have been released by Maxim Integrated Products, Inc. that provide end-to-end integration of the signal chain, which can 
simplify factory automation applications.
The Carmel, Monterey, and Fremont industrial reference designs are tested subsystems, with schematics, layout files and firmware, and can be used and customised first off. The reference designs integrate multiple functions ideal for automated factory tasks.
The Carmel (MAXREFDES18) subsystem provides analogue output and is ideal for programmable logic controllers and distributed control systems.
The integrated error reporting offers detection of short circuit, open circuit, brown-out, and overtemperature conditions.
Both current and voltage outputs are coverd, including bipolar signals of -20mA to 20mA and -10V to 10V
In contrast to this, the Monterey (MAXREFDES15) subsystem is an industrial loop-powered sensor transmitter that converts a standard temperature sensor input (RTD PT1000) to a 4–20mA signal that is immune to noise and is constant over long distances. It is ideal for distributed industrial sensor systems. The system current consumption is less than 2.1mA, which is claimed as some 40 percent improvement compared to the industry standard.
The solution is claimed to support 0.1 percent system accuracy over a full process variable-input range, whilst all design files are included for rapid prototyping
The last of the three is the Fremont (MAXREFDES6) subsystem, which is a low-power analogue front-end (AFE) that accepts inputs of 0mV to 100mV. It is ideal for low-voltage output sensors, and process control and medical applications. It feature low power at less than 300mW typical power consumption.
Analogue integration is accelerating factory automation,” said David Andeen, Reference Design Manager at Maxim Integrated. “With these reference designs, engineers can get to market faster with the latest analogue technology in designs that make factories more efficient.”
“We continue to see strong demand for reference systems and subsystems that feature high-performance analogue,” said Jim Beneke, Vice President of Global Technical Marketing at Avnet Electronics Marketing, the components operating group of global technology distributor Avnet, Inc.”
Maxim Integrated
