Maxim promotes Petaluma reference design to make real-time measurements faster

Maxim Integrated's Petaluma reference design enables smarter grid data management by acquiring 3-phase analog data at high speed.

Maxim Integrated has introduced the Petaluma (MAXREFDES30#) subsystem reference design, which enables power utilities and infrastructure providers to simultaneously and accurately measure distributed power grid data.

The Petaluma (MAXREFDES30#) subsystem reference design is a high-speed, high-precision, cost-effective analog measurement solution for three-phase power monitoring. Hardware, firmware, design files, and lab measurements provide complete system information for rapid prototyping and development.

Power companies around the world are deploying more reliable systems and need to obtain high-precision distributed grid status data to better utilize distributed generation technologies such as solar and wind power. Each phase voltage and current measurement must be performed simultaneously so that power companies can grasp the strict time relationship between each phase and maximize the uptime of the grid. Petaluma is a high-speed, simultaneous sampling 8-channel analog input front end (AFE) that can monitor each phase of the grid data simultaneously, allowing grid managers to optimize the signal chain of distribution automation.

Petaluma's signal is tuned to 50Hz to 60Hz to match global power grid standards. The power consumption of 3-phase simultaneous sampling is less than 1W. The high sampling rate (250ksps per channel) and 16-bit accuracy enable it to respond quickly to power grid faults. Petaluma is suitable for any application that requires simultaneous sampling of multi-channel analog inputs (such as multi-phase motor control and industrial vibration detection) and accurate calculation of instantaneous power.

Key Benefits

High Precision: 16-bit ADC and external voltage reference provide 0.02% high accuracy and 3ppm/°C maximum temperature coefficient
Simultaneous Sampling: The subsystem includes 8 high-speed, 250ksps simultaneous sampling analog input channels that accept ±10V input signals
Low Power: Petaluma consumes less than 1W

Industry Reviews

“The Petaluma analog front-end solution is ideal for distribution automation networks,” said David Andeen, reference design manager at Maxim Integrated. “With a high sampling rate of 250ksps per channel, this subsystem reference design can accurately capture fault events, allowing utilities to respond instantly within a single cycle.”

“The complete signal chain AFE subsystem provides many advantages for power companies to deploy smart grids and can easily measure the power of smart grids,” said Jacob Rodrigues Pereira, analyst for IHS smart utility infrastructure. “As the power grid moves towards distributed management, the value of distributed measurement solutions that can provide multi-channel simultaneous, efficient sampling and high-precision node measurement is also increasing.”