Summary of Maxim brings out Micro PLC platform
Maxim's Micro PLC platform offers five USB-configurable reference designs to enable Industry 4.0 with smaller, lower-power, and lower-cost programmable logic controllers. It claims up to 10x smaller form factor, over 50% power savings, and up to 70x faster digital I/O, targeting reduced maintenance costs and increased uptime. The platform is supported by interoperable products (high-precision ADC, efficient power supplies, and compact DC-DC converters) to enable fan-less, higher-density distributed PLC deployments.
Parts used in the Micro PLC platform:
- MAX11270 24-bit delta-sigma ADC with integrated PGA
- MAX17515 5A switch-mode power supply with built-in inductor
- MAX17552 4V to 60V, 100mA synchronous step-down DC-DC converter
Maxim’s Micro PLC platform gives designers the tools to implement Industry 4.0 with less power, parts, and total costs.
The platform consists of five reference designs which can operate as stand-alone subsystems and be configured and tested with a laptop’s USB port.
A programmable logic controller (PLC) is the core building block that controls and coordinates sensors and machinery moving throughout a factory.
Each year, $800bn is spent on factory maintenance and lost productivity.
To reduce these expenses, the global Industry 4.0 movement is working to make manufacturing smarter and more efficient.
Through ‘smart integration’ (integration aligned with solving industry-wide issues) and proprietary process technology, Maxim’s Micro PLC platform claims to deliver a 10x reduction in form factor, > 50% power savings, and processes digital I/O outputs up to 70x faster than ever before. The platform will immediately reduce industry maintenance costs and increase uptime.
Supporting the Industry 4.0 distributed model, Maxim has developed multiple products that are interoperable with the Micro PLC platform:
MAX11270: a 24-bit, 10mW, delta-sigma ADC with integrated PGA offers the highest signal-to-noise (SNR) and lowest power in its class.
MAX17515: a 5A, 2.4V to 5.5V input, complete switch-mode power supply with built-in inductor that reduces energy loss and heat with 92% efficiency.
MAX17552: a 4V to 60V, 100mA, ultra-small, synchronous step-down DC-DC converter, compliant to IEC61131-2 PLC standard, that reduces heat dissipation and enables up to 50% cooler operation
Key Advantages are:
Faster throughput: up to 70x faster digital I/O provides increased production throughput
Power efficiency: > 50% power savings, allowing fan-less operations and higher density of I/Os.
For more detail: Maxim brings out Micro PLC platform
- What does Maxim's Micro PLC platform provide?
Five reference designs that can operate as stand-alone subsystems and be configured and tested via a laptop USB port. - How much form factor reduction does the platform claim?
The platform claims a 10x reduction in form factor. - Can the Micro PLC platform reduce power consumption?
Yes; it claims over 50% power savings enabling fan-less operations and higher I/O density. - How much faster are digital I/O outputs with this platform?
Digital I/O outputs are claimed to be processed up to 70x faster. - Which ADC supports the platform?
The MAX11270 24-bit delta-sigma ADC with integrated PGA supports the platform. - Which power supply parts are interoperable with the Micro PLC platform?
The MAX17515 switch-mode power supply with built-in inductor and the MAX17552 synchronous step-down DC-DC converter are interoperable. - What industry problem is the Micro PLC platform addressing?
It targets reducing factory maintenance costs and lost productivity to support the Industry 4.0 movement. - Does the MAX17552 help with heat dissipation?
Yes; the MAX17552 reduces heat dissipation and enables up to 50% cooler operation.
