Ultra-low-power sensor transmitter for smart sensors and remote instrumentation

Mouser now stocks the MAX12900 sensor transmitter AFE from Maxim Integrated. With an ultra-low power consumption of just 170µA (typical) and a 5mm × 5mm footprint, the highly integrated sensor transmitter reduces space by up to 20% and power up to 50% compared to other 4–20mA loop solutions. The sensor transmitter enables increased system accuracy with 10ppm per degree Celsius voltage reference and 0.01% maximum error. The ultra-low power transmitter converts PWM data from a microcontroller into current over a 4–20mA loop, supporting two, three and four-wire configurations. The device integrates ten building blocks to help engineers optimise functionality and performance: a LDO regulator; two conditioner circuits for PWM inputs; two low-power, low-drift general-purpose operational amplifiers; a wide-bandwidth, zero-offset drift operational amplifier; two diagnostic comparators; power-up sequencer; and a low-drift voltage reference. The sensor transmitter is supported by the MAX12900 evaluation kit, which includes an evaluation board and graphic user interface to enable USB communication between the target device and a PC. The transmitter is ideal for smart sensors and remote instrumentation in industrial automation and process control.