MAX2992:G3-PLC MAC/PHY Powerline Transceiver

Industry's First G3-PLC Compliant Modem Provides Reliable Communication at Speeds Up to 300kbps

The MAX2992 powerline communication (PLC) baseband modem delivers half-duplex, asynchronous data communication over AC power lines at speeds up to 300kbps (full FCC band data rate). The MAX2992 is a system-on-chip (SoC) that combines the physical (PHY) and media access control (MAC) layers using Maxim's 32-bit MAXQ30 microcontroller core. The MAX2991 integrated analog front-end transceiver interfaces seamlessly with the MAX2992, and together with the MAX2992 G3-PLC™ firmware, forms a complete G3-PLC-compliant modem solution. The MAX2992 utilizes OFDM techniques with DBPSK, DQPSK, D8PSK modulation and forward error correction (FEC) to enable robust data communication using the electrical power grid. The design provides inherent adaptability to frequency selective channels, robustness in the presence of group delay, and immunity to impulsive noise. To allow for regulatory compliance, the MAX2992 incorporates a programmable tone notching mechanism. This allows the notching of certain frequency bands in the transmit spectrum of the modem. This feature also provides an alternative method to address coexistence with other narrowband transmitters such as legacy FSK-based PLC systems. The MAX2992 MAC incorporates a 6LoWPAN adaptation layer to support IPv6 packets. An enhanced CSMA/CA and ARQ, together with the mesh routing protocol, supports all common MAC layer services for various network topologies. Intelligent communication mechanisms adapt and enhance system performance over a range of channel conditions. These mechanisms include channel estimation, adaptive tone mapping, and routing protocols. An on-chip CCM (an extension of CCM specified in IEEE® 802.15.4) authentication coprocessor with AES-128 encryption/decryption provides security and authentication.

Key Features
  • G3-PLC Compliant
  • Prestandard Conformance: IEEE® P1901.2, ITU G.9903
  • Frequency-Band Compliant with CENELEC, FCC, and ARIB
  • Operating Frequency from 10kHz to 490kHz
  • Single-Chip Solution Integrating Physical Layer (PHY) and Media Access Controller (MAC)
  • Two UART and Two SPI Interfaces
  • Supports IPV6-Compatible Networking Layer
    • 6LoWPAN IPV6 Header Compression Maximizes Payload Size
    • Dynamic Routing Mechanism Supports Mesh Networking
    • CSMA/CA (Carrier Sense Multiple Access with Collision Avoidance/Channel Access)
  • High-Speed, Reliable Communication
    • Data Rate of up to 300kbps
    • Two Layers of Forward Error Correction (FEC) and Cyclic Redundancy Check (CRC16)
    • Enhanced FEC with Reed-Solomon and Viterbi
    • CCM Authentication Coprocessor featuring AES-128 Encryption/Decryption
    • Automatic Repeat Request (ARQ) Enhances Error Detection and Data Reliability
    • Dynamic Link Adaptation to Select Optimum Data Rate Based on Channel Condition
    • Programmable Tone Notching
  • AEC-Q100 Automotive Qualified
MAX2992: Functional Diagram
MAX2992: Functional Diagram
Applications/Uses
  • Advanced Metering Infrastructure (AMI)
  • AMI Concentrators
  • Building Automation
  • Electronic Vehicle Charging
  • Home Energy Monitoring
  • Smart Grid Communications
  • Smart Meters
  • Solar and Renewable Energy Management
  • Street Lighting Automation
DataSheet
titleDownload file
MAX2992 Data SheetMAX2992.pdf
Parametrics
Part NumberFrequency BandData Rate
(Mbps)
ComplianceSecurity FeaturesInterfaceCompatibilityFunctionsPackage/PinsOper. Temp.
(°C)
max
MAX299210kHz to 490kHz0.2ARIB
CENELEC
FCC
AES-128SPI
UART
G3-PLCNarrowband ModemLQFP/64-40 to +105
Design kits & evaluation modules
Quality and Environmental Data
Related Products
  • MAX2982:Industrial Broadband Powerline Modem
  • MAX2991:Power-Line Communications (PLC) Integrated Analog Front-End Transceiver
  • MAX2981:Integrated Powerline Communication Analog Front-End Transceiver and Line Driver
  • MAX2990:10kHz to 490kHz OFDM-Based Power Line Communications Modem
Ordering Information
Part NumberStatusRecommended ReplacementPackageTempRoHS
MAX2992ECB+ActiveLQFP,;64 pin;148.8 mm²-40°C to +85°CLead Free
MAX2992ECB+TActiveLQFP,;64 pin;148.8 mm²-40°C to +85°CLead Free
MAX2992GCB+ActiveLQFP,;64 pin;148.8 mm²-40°C to +105°CLead Free
MAX2992GCB+TActiveLQFP,;64 pin;148.8 mm²-40°C to +105°CLead Free
MAX2992.pdf MAX2992
MAX2992.pdf MAX2992
MAX2992.pdf MAX2992
An Overview, History, and Formation of IEEE P1901.2 for Narrowband OFDM PLC MAX2992
Stuxnet and Other Things that Go Bump in the Night MAX2992
Overcoming Smart Grid Communications Challenges with Orthogonal Frequency Division Multiplexing (OFDM) and IEEE 1901.2 MAX2992
Achieving Significant Power from Renewables MAX2992
MAX2992.pdf MAX2992