Cirrus Logic Offers Lowest Cost Energy Measurement ICs for Smart Grid Applications

  • Posted on: 25 January 2012
  • By: chw staff

Featuring the highest energy measurement accuracy in the industry, Cirrus Logic's CS5484/80/90 family of analog front end (AFE) ICs gives designers of single and polyphase utility meters and smart energy products a superior combination of proven energy calculations, flexibility, performance and cost.

The CS548X/9X family is ideal for today's smart utility meter applications, which research firm IMS forecasts will grow to 170 million units by 2015, as well as the growing market for new generations of smart energy products that provide consumers and enterprises with more precise information about their electricity consumption. By better understanding how much electricity their products are using, consumers can make more informed decisions about how, or when, to operate their products. Emerging applications such as smart meters, white goods, smart appliances, smart powerstrips/plugs, and energy efficient power supplies for enterprise applications (e.g., servers) are critical components to global Smart Grid initiatives designed to maximize efficiency of the electric grid.

"Smart energy products continue to evolve and expand rapidly beyond digital utility meters, which Cirrus Logic has been a leader in with its advanced AFE products for more than a decade," said David Biven, director of Marketing for energy products at Cirrus Logic. "Our new CS548X/9X family further strengthens our leadership position by providing superior measurement accuracy and flexibility, giving designers the added benefit of being able to optimize their application for performance and price."

Unique Analog Front End Technology Approach

Cirrus Logic's approach to metrology solutions focuses on application specific analog to digital converters that include Cirrus Logic's EXL Core(TM) technology, a highly innovative digital architecture that is central to the IC family's high performance energy calculations and metrology features. This dedicated AFE offers designers an industry standard metrology solution that works in all applications, while allowing them the flexibility to choose the right MCU to fit the specific design requirements.

Applications that incorporate features such as wireless and/or powerline communication, LCD displays, RTC or calendaring functionality, and digital IO stand to benefit by utilizing an AFE and MCU combination. Comparative system-on-a-chip solutions that offer multiple features on a single chip typically offer reduced performance, fixed functionality and higher cost. Performing these functions within a dedicated MCU allows designers more flexibility to choose the right MCU, in the right process and at the right price point for their given applications.

Highest Energy Measurement Accuracy

With measurement accuracy of 0.1 percent over a 4,000:1 dynamic range for both active and reactive energy, the CS548X/9X family offers performance that is significantly better than the nearest competitor. A pre-programmed power calculation engine eliminates any need for manual programming and also mitigates security concerns. Two-second calibration times are up to 10X faster than many competing SOCs, translating to accelerated production line cycles and lower overall cost. The CS548X/9X offers system designers best-in-class performance at the lowest price point, while also providing the flexibility needed to meet rapidly changing market conditions.

Pricing and Availability

The CS548X/9X is currently in volume production and is priced at $0.75 in 100,000 quantities. The ICs are available in the following package types: CS5484, 28-pin QFN; CS5480, 24-pin QFN; CS5490, 16-pin SOIC.

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