Microchip unveils next generation energy-measurement IC and reference design
(Technology News, 06 Mar 2007 )
By Vinod Kataria
Microchip Technology Inc., provider of microcontroller and analog semiconductors, has announced the MCP3909 energy-measurement IC and reference design. The IC combines low power consumption with an SPI interface and active power-pulse output, making it adaptable to a variety of meter designs. Together with the MCP3909 3-Phase Energy Meter Reference Design, the IC enables designers to develop and bring meter designs to market quickly.
Bryan Liddiard, vice president of marketing with Microchip's analog and interface products division, said, "With its high levels of integration and accuracy, the MCP3909 is a user-friendly energy measurement IC that can be easily applied to a variety of single-and three-phase metering applications. Together with the MCP3909 3-phase Energy Meter Reference Design, users can quickly get started on metering designs using PIC microcontrollers."
The MCP3909 3-Phase Energy Meter Reference Design includes three MCP3909 ICs, plus a PIC18F2520 and a PIC18F4550 microcontroller. The PIC18F2520 performs all power calculations in the reference design, while the PIC18F4550 provides a USB interface to desktop software. The software package that comes with the reference design enables meter calibration and the ability to read active and apparent power, as well as RMS current and RMS voltage.
