Power calculations and event monitoring are included with a single IC, reducing the BOM cost and firmware development time.
To simplify calibration procedures and support most accuracy requirements, two 24-bit delta-sigma Analogue-to-Digital Converters (ADCs) with 94.5 dB of signal-to-noise ratio plus distortion (SINAD) performance and a 16-bit calculation engine are included with the MCP39F511A. The device automatically senses power supply types and switches between AC and DC modes, optimising measurement results. It is also designed to help developers troubleshoot issues with an on-chip EEPROM that logs critical events, as well as an integrated low-drift voltage reference and internal oscillator to reduce implementation costs.
Other benefits of using the MCP39F511A include its flexibility and ease of implementation. The device provides standard power calculations such as active, reactive and apparent power, active and reactive energy, root-mean-square (RMS) current and voltage, line frequency and power factor, which enable designers to easily add highly accurate power monitoring functions to end applications with minimal firmware development.
The MCP39F511A includes advanced features such as auto-save and auto-load of power quantities to and from the EEPROM at power loss or start, which Microchip says ensures measurement results are never lost if power is disrupted unexpectedly. Event monitoring of various power conditions also enhances preventative system maintenance and enables developers to better manage power consumption.
The device is supported by the MCP39F511A Power Monitor Demonstration Board (ADM00667), which is a fully functional single-phase power and energy monitoring system. The system calculates and displays active power, reactive power, RMS current, RMS voltage, active energy (both import and export) and four-quadrant reactive energy. It connects through USB to the ‘Power Monitor Utility Software’ that offers automated control for easy evaluation of all system configuration settings
