IC enables power monitoring with minimal firmware

The integrated low-drift voltage reference, in addition to 94.5dB of SINAD performance on each measurement channel, allows accurate designs with just 0.1% error across a 4000:1 dynamic range. The IC delievers a light load measurement, with the company claiming that this measurement is superior to current competing solutions. The device features a wide operating temperature range of -40°C to +125°C, with the built in calculations including active, reactive and apparent power, RMS current and RMS voltage, line frequency, power factor as well as programmable event notifications. This fulfills the need for enhanced power monitoring solutions which power-system designers are currently demanding.

The device is designed to provide high-performance, cost-effective designs such as commercial server and networking power supplies, power distribution units and lighting systems. The IC is also suitable for consumer applications such as appliances and smart plugs, and also industrial products which include power meters and industrial equipment. The temperature range allows the device to e used in more extreme environments, such as industrial machinery applications.   

The device is supported by Microchip’s MCP39F501 Demonstration Board (ARD00455) which will be available on February 14th 2014, priced at $89.99. Available in a 28-lead QFN 5 x 5 mm package, the MCP39F501 is available now for sampling and volume production.