Maxim releases small size, low power 4-20mA sensor transmitters

     Maxim announced the launch of the MAX12900 ultra-low-power, highly integrated 4-20mA sensor transmitter to help create small, low-power, high-precision designs for industrial automation applications. Ideal for industrial automation and process control, loop-powered 4-20mA current transmitters, remote instrumentation and smart sensors.

     Today, system designers have to consider more factors when developing enhanced 4-20mA sensor transmitters. These include improving measurement accuracy over a wide temperature range and reducing size to suit miniaturization requirements. In addition, designers also need to meet the strict condition that the total current of the sensor transmitter does not exceed 4mA.

     The MAX12900 has a voltage reference of 10 ppm/°C, which can reduce temperature drift by 3.5 times compared to traditional solutions, effectively improving system accuracy. The small size MAX12900(5mmx5mm package size) integrates 10 optimized cell circuits for a significant space savings of 20%-50% compared to traditional 4-20mA sensor transmitter solutions.

     Simplify power-on control of 4-20mA sensor transmitters by integrating high voltage LDO and power sequence control. The maximum current consumption of the device is only 250uA, which can save up to 50% power compared to traditional solutions. Using the latest MAX12900 solution, the pulse width modulation data of the microcontroller is converted to 4-20mA loop current in 2, 3 or 4-wire configurations, effectively reducing scheme complexity and system cost. The MAX12900 is packaged in a 32-pin TQFN package and operates in an industrial-grade wide temperature range from -40°C to +125°C.