EVALUATION KIT AVAILABLE
MAX44211
High-Current Differential Line Driver
for Powerline Communications
General Description
Benefits and Features
● Meets Stringent ARIB, FCC, and CENELEC Linearity
The MAX44211 is a low-distortion line driver customized
for powerline communication (PLC) applications where
high output current is needed to drive the isolation and
coupling transformer under varying load conditions. The
MAX44211 can be switched to implement all world
standards, trading off improved linearity for increased
quiescent current. The MAX44211 delivers a high 1.5A
linear output current and provides peak-to-peak differential
voltage swing of up to 36V. The MAX44211 features very
low intermodulation and harmonic distortion ensuring they
meet worldwide PLC standards.
Specifications for Out-of-Band Emissions
• Output Drives Current Linearly Up to 1.5A Peak
Into a Reactive Load for PLC Applications
● Output Voltage Swings to Within 0.5V of AVDD or
AGND (36V
Range
Differential) for Widest Dynamic
P-P
● Wide Power-Supply Range Addresses Multiple
Standards:
• +8V to +20V for Analog Supply
• +2.7V to +5.5V for Digital Supply
The MAX44211 features advanced diagnostics for
temperature and output current monitoring. There are
high temperature warning and overtemperature shutdown
functions. There is also a programmable current limit. The
status of these diagnostics are indicated via two open-
drain status outputs.
● Programmable Output Current Limit via External
Resistor Provides Flexibility
● Programmable Gain (6x, 12x, 15x, or 18x) via Gain
Inputs Provides Multistandard Usage
● Status Logic Outputs Provide Improved Diagnostics
• Overtemperature Shutdown Active
• High-Temperature Warning Active
• Overcurrent Active
The MAX44211 is designed to interface to powerlines that
have wide ranging and variable loads and drive signals
within the 9kHz to 500kHz frequency band. This device
operates from a single supply and is available in a 4mm x
4mm, 20-pin TQFN package.
• Normal Operation
The MAX44211 device is specified for operation from
-40°C to +85°C.
Applications
Functional Diagram
● Powerline Communications
● Smart Meters
● Lighting
MAX44211
60kΩ
● Solar
AVDD
MODE
OUT+
10kΩ
10kΩ
IN+
IN-
VGA
PA
OUT-
TXEN
ILSET
AGND
10kΩ
10kΩ
Ordering Information appears at end of data sheet.
DVDD
60kΩ
THERMAL
AND
OVERCURRENT
MONITOR
STATUS0
STATUS1
PA : POWER AMPLIFIER
GAIN
CONTROL
G0
G1
DGND
19-7667; Rev 1; 9/17