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Date: 4/29/2004
austriamicrosystems launches Single-Phase Average Energy
Metering IC
 
austriamicrosystems has launched the AS8168, a new single-phase average energy metering integrated circuit, which complements the company's rapidly expanding energy meter IC product family. With fast, low-cost on-chip digital calibration and highly integrated metering functions, the AS8168 allows meter manufacturers to design cost-effective and highly reliable metering solutions.

 

An extremely accurate single-phase bi-directional average energy measurement integrated circuit, the AS8168 far surpasses the accuracy requirements for IEC1036 alternating current static watt-hour meters, capable of less than 0.1% error over a dynamic range of 1000 to 1. It converts the measured energy into pulses with the number of pulses being proportional to the measured energy, making it ideal for use in kWh meters that display energy the value via mechanical counters. The IC can drive a two-phase stepper motor directly or, for more complex metering applications, it can be interfaced easily to any standard micro-controller.

The on-chip programming capability of the AS8168 offers meter manufacturers the flexibility to select the required input and output parameters and at the same time, perform an automated digital meter system calibration.

"The automated digital meter system calibration, made possible by the use of the AS8168, enables meter manufacturers to calibrate many meters simultaneously while ensuring that all possible meter system non-idealities are compensated for," said Dave Simpson, marketing manager for metering products at austriamicrosystems. "The procedure ensures that the desired performance can be verified individually for each meter and then programmed for final use. By using the AS8168 average energy calculation, operators can perform the calibration process for each meter within a second."

"This automated procedure eliminates the need for an external resistor ladder or trim-potentiometer, required for conventional manual calibration methods. It offers our customers considerable savings in capital plant expenditures."

The programming feature of the AS8168 enables meter manufacturers to manufacture a range of meter models on a single production line with no disruptions.

The AS8168 is available in either surface mount SOIC-18 or dual-in-line DIP-18 packaging.

About austriamicrosystems
austriamicrosystems AG is a leading designer and manufacturer of highly integrated analog intensive mixed signal ICs. austriamicrosystems combines more than 20 years of design capabilities, product and marketing know-how with its own cutting edge analog manufacturing and test facilities. Operating worldwide with more than 800 employees, austriamicrosystems serves four strategic markets: Communications, Industry & Medical, Automotive and
Full-Service Foundry.

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