MAXREFDES18#: Isolated Analog Interface

In PLC and DCS systems, analog output currents and voltages provide critical control and actuation functions. The Carmel (MAXREFDES18#) reference design shown in Figure 1 provides a flexible and programmable analog output that meets industrial control requirements.

The buffered voltage output from the MAX5316 16-bit, high-accuracy digital-to-analog converter (DAC) drives the input of the MAX15500, a programmable analog output conditioner with extensive error reporting. The MAX6126 ultra-high-precision voltage reference provides references for the DAC and the output conditioner. The MAX14850 galvanically isolates data communication between the subsystem and the system controller. Optionally, the subsystem also integrates an isolated and regulated power supply by using the MAX13253 transformer driver and the MAX1659 and MAX1735 low-dropout (LDO) linear regulators.

The subsystem features all typical bipolar current and voltage output ranges, and appropriate subsets, with less than 0.105% total unadjusted error (TUE). The circuit also provides short-circuit and overcurrent protection, open circuit detection, brownout detection, over-temperature protection, all of which are critical for industrial applications. Flexible power-up options make Carmel an ideal choice for robust industrial control systems.