Maxim has introduced an energy-measurement IC for three-phase mains power metering.

"The device integrates analogue and signal-processing techniques to provide more advanced metering features than any single product in the market today," claimed the firm.

Dubbed MAXQ3180, it integrates an eight channel ADC and a dedicated microprocessor for computing energy metering parameters. "Dynamic gain control resolves the 1[micro]V from 1V demanded by the industry," said Maxim.

Six of the input channels cover the three phase voltages and currents; one measures neutral line current; and the eighth is for on-chip temperature monitoring.

The processor calculates many parameters including neutral line current flow as well as detecting a voltage sequence error, and measuring current in the absence of the phase voltages. "It exceeds all relevant international standards for electricity metering: IEC 62053-21, 62053-22, 62053-23," said Maxim.

Calculated parameters are available over an SPI bus.

See http://www.maxim-ic.com/MAX8822