General Description
The MAX2990 power line communication (PLC) base-
band modem delivers a cost-effective, reliable, half-
duplex asynchronous data communication over AC
power lines at speeds up to 100kbps. The MAX2990 is
a highly integrated system-on-chip (SoC) that combines
the physical (PHY) and media access control (MAC)
layers using Maxim’s 16-bit MAXQ microcontroller core.
The MAX2990 utilizes OFDM modulation techniques to
enable robust data communication using the same
electrical network that supplies power to all other
devices on the network.
The MAX2990 includes the MAXQ microcontroller core.
The MAXQ is a 16-bit RISC microcontroller with 32kB flash
memory, 5.12kB of ROM, and 8kB SRAM, of which 4kB
that can be simultaneously accessed by the MCU and the
PHY. The MAX2990 is integrated with modules for serial
communication (SPI™, I2C, UART) and a real-time clock
(RTC) for time stamping, in addition to standard blocks
such as timers, GPIO, and external interrupts.
The MAX2990 transceiver is based on an orthogonal
frequency division multiplexing (OFDM) technique that
allows robust data transmission over poor channel con-
ditions specifically for environments with impulsive
noise. OFDM with binary phase shift key (BPSK) and
forward error correcting (FEC) blocks are used
because of their inherent adaptability in the presence of
frequency selective channels without the use of equal-
izers, resilience to jammer signals, robust communica-
tions in the presence of group delay spread, and
robustness to impulsive noise. The MAX2990 features
jammer cancellation that removes constant sinusoidal
interference signals for FCC and ARIB bands. Privacy
is provided by DES encryption.
The MAX2990 is available in a 64-pin LQFP package
and is specified over the -40°C to +85°C extended tem-
perature range.
Applications
Features
♦Combines the Physical Layer (PHY) and Media
Access Controller (MAC)
♦Integrated Microcontroller with 32kB Password-
Protected Flash Memory and 8kB SRAM
♦Maximum Effective Data Rate in Normal Mode
32kbps at 10kHz to 95kHz and 100kbps at
10kHz to 490kHz
♦Complies with
CENELEC A (10kHz to 95kHz)
CENELEC B (95kHz to 120kHz)
CENELEC C (120kHz to 140kHz)
FCC (10kHz to 490kHz)
ARIB (10kHz to 450kHz)
♦Includes Forward Error Correction (FEC)
Mechanism and CRC16
♦Includes Fast DES Engine as the
Encryption/Decryption Coprocessor and CRC32
♦Jammer Cancellation for FCC and ARIB
♦User-Configured Start and End Operating
Frequency
♦Carrier Sense Multiple Access/Collision
Avoidance (CSMA/CA) Channel Access
Arbitration
♦Automatic Repeat Request (ARQ) to Enhance
Error Detection and Improve Data Reliability
♦Supports SPI, I2C, and UART Interfaces
♦Real-Time Clock (RTC)
♦PWM Counters
♦Built-In Test Mode Engine for Identifying Channel
Conditions
MAX2990
10kHz to 490kHz OFDM-Based
Power Line Communication Modem
________________________________________________________________
Maxim Integrated Products
1
Ordering Information
19-4116; Rev 0; 4/08
For pricing, delivery, and ordering information, please contact Maxim Direct at 1-888-629-4642,
or visit Maxim’s website at www.maxim-ic.com.
Automatic Meter Reading
Home Automation
Heating Ventilation and
Air Conditioning (HVAC)
Building Automation
Industrial Automation
Lighting Control
Sensor Control and Data
Acquisition
Remote Monitoring and
Control
Voice-Over-Powerline
Security Systems/Keyless
Entry
Pin Configuration appears at end of data sheet.
Typical Application Circuit appears at end of data sheet.
PART TEMP RANGE PIN-PACKAGE
MAX2990ECB+ -40°C to +85°C 64 LQFP
SPI is a trademark of Motorola, Inc.
+
Denotes a lead-free package.
ABRIDGED DATA SHEET
MAX2990
10kHz to 490kHz OFDM-Based
Power Line Communication Modem
Maxim cannot assume responsibility for use of any circuitry other than circuitry entirely embodied in a Maxim product. No circuit patent licenses are
implied. Maxim reserves the right to change the circuitry and specifications without notice at any time.
24
____________________Maxim Integrated Products, 120 San Gabriel Drive, Sunnyvale, CA 94086 408-737-7600
© 2008 Maxim Integrated Products is a registered trademark of Maxim Integrated Products, Inc.
Typical Application Circuit
SDA
SCL I2C
TX
RX UART MAXQ
AFE
INTERFACE
OFDM PLC PHY
SCLK
MOSI
MISO
SPI
I/O GPIO
MAX2990 PHY/MAC
AFE SPI LINE
DRIVER
AFE
AC POWER LINE
ADC LPF/AGC
DAC
Pin Configuration
MAX2990
64 P3.8
63 P3.7
62 P3.6
61 P3.5
60 P3.4
59 VDDC
58 DGND
57 P3.3
56 VDDIO
55 P3.2
54 VDDC
53 DGND
52 P3.1
51 P3.0
50 AVDD
49
17
18
19
20
21
22
23
24
25
26
27
28
29
30
31
32 AGND
XTAL1S
XTAL2S
DGND
VDDC
P1.0
P1.1
P1.2
P1.3
VDDIO
P1.4
P1.5
P1.6
P1.7
DGND
PROG
TDO
48 XTAL1A
47 XTAL2A
46 TCK
45 TMS
44 TDI
43 P2.0
42 P2.1
41 P2.2
40 P2.3
39 VDDIO
38 P2.4
37 P2.5
36 P2.6
35 P2.7
34 VDDC
33
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16 DGND
P0.0
P0.1
P0.2
P0.3
DGND
VDDC
32KIN
32KOUT
VDDIO
P0.4
P0.5
P0.6
P0.7
RST
AVDD
AGND
+
LQFP
ABRIDGED DATA SHEET
