STMicroelectronics Introduces Highly-Integrated Power Line Transceiver for Compact and Cost-Sensitive Command and Control Systems
New power amplifier combined with ‘stripped down’ key features from the state-of-the-art ST7538 to create a smaller, cost-effective power line transceiver Geneva / 21 Mar 2006
The ST7540 is a half duplex Binary-FSK (Frequency Shift Keying) transceiver designed for two-way network communication over power lines, with eight selectable carrier frequencies, covering CENELEC bands A, B and C, and 4 programmable baud rates from 600 to 4800 bps. Reduced in size and pin count, the new ST7540 maintains the field proven ‘core’ technology of the earlier ST7538, but without some accessory functions (such as zero crossing detection and the uncommitted operational amplifier).
Among its new capabilities, the device integrates a single ended Power Amplifier with accessible input and output lines that can be used with just a few external signal components as part of a tunable active filter for the transmission path, providing superior linear power performances and reducing the application’s parts count and cost.
In addition to the 5V regulator found on the ST7538, a new on-chip 3.3V 50mA voltage regulator, intended for powering different types of external microcontrollers, provides greater design flexibility and further reduces costs.
Other new features include programmable header recognition and frame length count – to increase efficiency and reduce power consumption by activating the external MCU only when a message with a specific header or frame length is detected – and programmable output level freezing, to increase transmission stability in particularly noisy environments. The on-chip available-output-voltage and current loops always allow the transmission levels to be automatically and safely adapted to the line impedance
The ST7540 uses a much smaller and lower pin-count 28-pin package than the state-of the-art ST7538, which will continue to be the basis for highly specialized applications needing auxiliary functions and other features such as zero crossing detection.
The new transceiver enables the design of very compact home and building automation, such as easily integrating a complete PLC node in a socket or switch. It is also ideal for ‘outdoor’ applications, such as small street lighting controllers and cost-effective Automatic Meter Reading (AMR) systems. Its high level of integration, and in particular its new power amplifier topology, significantly reduces the overall BOM (Bill of Materials) cost of such products.
The ST7540 is available now in sample quantities, in the 28-pin HTSSOP28 exposed pad package. Volume pricing will be in the region of $5.00 in quantities of 1000 pieces.
Further information is available at www.st.com/powerline
About ST’s Microcontroller, Linear & Discrete Group
STMicroelectronics is a world leader in offering complete system solutions that leverage its rich portfolio of Microcontroller, Linear, and Discrete products, advanced process and design technologies, and applications expertise. This emphasis on solutions allows the Company to minimize time-to-market for all customers worldwide in existing and emerging applications.
About STMicroelectronics
STMicroelectronics is a global leader in developing and delivering semiconductor solutions across the spectrum of microelectronics applications. An unrivalled combination of silicon and system expertise, manufacturing strength, Intellectual Property (IP) portfolio and strategic partners positions the Company at the forefront of System-on-Chip (SoC) technology and its products play a key role in enabling today's convergence markets. The Company's shares are traded on the New York Stock Exchange, on Euronext Paris and on the Milan Stock Exchange. In 2005, the Company's net revenues were $8.88 billion and net earnings were $266 million. Further information on ST can be found at www.st.com.
Information last updated Jan 2006
