IC Boosts Performance, Lowers Cost Of Power Inverters

Heralded as the world’s first integrated solution for voltage and current monitoring in power inverters, the AS8002 is highly viable for use in grid connected systems such as solar photovoltaic inverters. The device allows the use of low-cost resistors for current and voltage sensing and its front-end provides adjustable gain to accommodate various resistor values while on-chip calibration allows compensation for external component inaccuracies as well as variations over temperature. Other features include over-current detection. Available in a 4 mm x 4 mm QFN-16 package, the device operates from a 3V to 3.6V supply and over an operating temperature range from -40°C to +125°C. Pricing for the AS8002 is $5.31 each/1,000. AUSTRIAMICROSYSTEMS USA INC., Raleigh, NC. (919) 676-5292.