Single-Chip AFE Streamlines Powerline Modems

Reported as the industry's first integrated, optical-based analog front end (AFE) for narrowband powerline modems (PLMs), the HCPL-800J DAA replaces more than 30 discrete components. The chip interfaces the PLM transceiver and encoder-decoder IC with the ac powerline used as the signal-transmission medium. It employs control and line ICs, which are optically isolated from each other. Signal from the PLM transceiver interfaces to the control IC then optically couples to the line IC and is input to the powerline. In the opposite direction, a weak and noisy signal from the powerline is received by the line IC and optically coupled to the control IC, where it is amplified and output to the PLM transceiver. Other features of the chip include over-temperature shutdown, line-status monitoring, and operation from two 5-V power supplies. Price is less than $2.80 each in high-volume quantities. AGILENT TECHNOLOGIES INC., Palo Alto, CA (800) 235-0312.