Datasheet

Serial

Interface

Serial

Interface

DAC PGA

PGA

LPF

Line Coupling Interface

+ +

N1 N2

Bandpass Filter

C2000 MCU

Device

Phase

Neutral

AFE030

www.ti.com

SBOS588A –DECEMBER 2011– REVISED DECEMBER 2011

APPLICATION INFORMATION

GENERAL DESCRIPTION

The AFE030 is an integrated powerline communication analog front-end (AFE) device built from a variety of

functional blocks that work in conjunction with a microcontroller. The AFE030 provides the interface between the

microcontroller and a line coupling circuit. The AFE030 delivers high performance and is designed to work with a

minimum number of external components. Consisting of a variety of functional and configurable blocks, the

AFE030 simplifies design efforts and reduces the time to market of many applications.

The AFE030 includes three primary functional blocks:

• Power Amplifier (PA)

• Transmitter (Tx)

• Receiver (Rx)

The AFE030 also consists of other support circuitry blocks that provide zero crossing detection, an additional

two-wire communications channel, and power-saving biasing blocks (see the Functional Block Diagram). All of

these functional blocks are digitally controlled by the microcontroller through the serial interface (SPI).

Figure 24 shows a typical powerline communications application system diagram. Table 1 is a complete list of

the sections within the AFE030.

Figure 24. Typical Powerline Communications System Diagram

Table 1. Block Descriptions

BLOCK DESCRIPTION

PA The PA block includes the power amplifier and associated pedestal biasing circuitry

Tx The Tx block includes the Tx_Filter and the Tx_PGA

Rx The Rx block includes the Rx PGA1, the Rx Filter, and the Rx PGA2

ERx The ER block includes the two-wire receiver

ETx The ER block includes the two-wire transmitter

DAC The DAC block includes a digital-to-analog converter

ZC The ZC block includes both zero crossing detectors

REF1 The REF1 block includes the internal bias generator for the PA block

REF2 The REF2 block includes the internal bias generators for the Tx, Rx, ERx, and ETx blocks

Product Folder Link(s): AFE030