STMicroelectronics ST7590T

Overview

ST7590T from STMicroelectronics is a narrow-band OFDM power line networking system-on-chip designed for PRIME-compliant smart metering and smart grid communication nodes. The IC integrates a DSP-based PHY processor, embedded 8051 protocol controller, analog front end, ADC, DAC, programmable gain receiver, high-linearity transmitter, integrated power amplifier, AES-128 hardware block, zero-crossing detector, clock management, and digital host interfaces.

For engineers reviewing the ST7590T datasheet, ST7590T pinout, ST7590T application, or ST7590T equivalent, this PLC SoC is most relevant for PRIME PHY power line communication, CENELEC A-band smart-meter networks, AMR / AMI concentrator and node designs, mains-line data communication, and external-memory PLC implementations requiring a TQFP100 exposed-pad package, 8 V to 18 V line-driver supply, 3.3 V or 5 V digital I/O, UART / SPI host control, and external serial nonvolatile memory support.

Technical Context

ST7590T implements a PRIME-compliant OFDM physical layer with 96 subcarriers in the CENELEC A band. It supports BDPSK, QDPSK, and 8DPSK programmable modulation, convolutional coding, Viterbi decoding, signal-to-noise ratio estimation, channel-quality estimation, and programmable bit rate up to 128 kbps, giving smart-grid PLC nodes a complete digital modem and protocol-processing base.

In the TQFP100 package option, ST7590T uses dedicated firmware implementing the PRIME-compliant PHY protocol layer and a boot-loader procedure that allows PRIME MAC, PRIME CL432 convergence layer, and IEC 61334-4-32 LLC layer code to boot from external serial nonvolatile memory through the SPI interface. The 100-pin package also exposes an external SRAM controller, allowing program-code execution from optional parallel SRAM when the system architecture requires it.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

ST7590T is supplied in a TQFP100 exposed-pad package with a 14 mm × 14 mm body, 16 mm × 16 mm nominal overall lead span, 0.50 mm lead pitch, and low-profile 1.2 mm maximum package height. The exposed-pad TQFP format gives the TQFP100 version enough pins for the external SRAM bus, serial memory interface, host interface, PLC analog front end, power amplifier pins, zero-crossing detector, oscillator, JTAG, GPIO, and multiple power domains used in a complete PRIME PLC node.

Key Features

• Fully integrated narrow-band OFDM power line networking SoC for PRIME-compliant PLC nodes.
• 96 OFDM subcarriers in the CENELEC A band with BDPSK, QDPSK, and 8DPSK programmable modulation.
• Programmable data rate up to 128 kbps with convolutional coding and Viterbi decoding.
• DSP engine, embedded 8051 controller, hardware accelerators, timers, watchdog, GPIO, interrupts, and protocol-control resources.
• Integrated ADC, DAC, programmable-gain receiver, high-linearity transmitter, and power amplifier for a complete PLC analog front end.
• Integrated power amplifier delivering up to 1 Arms typical output current and 14 Vpp single-ended output swing.
• Host UART / SPI interface plus serial external memory interface and external SRAM controller in the TQFP100 package option.
• On-chip AES-128 hardware block, zero-crossing detector, temperature sensor, power-management functions, and 8 MHz oscillator support.
• 8 V to 18 V line-driver supply, 3.3 V or 5 V digital I/O supply, and -40°C to +85°C operating temperature range.

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

When evaluating ST7590T equivalent devices, engineers should compare PLC protocol support, OFDM modulation, external memory requirements, package footprint, power amplifier capability, line-coupling topology, host-interface behavior, software stack, supply rails, temperature range, and whether the design requires pin compatibility or a redesigned PLC modem architecture.

Compared with ST7590, ST7590T is optimized for the TQFP100 implementation with external serial NVM boot support and optional external SRAM interface access. ST7590T vs ST7590TR selection is mainly a packaging-logistics decision, while ST7590T vs ST8500TR selection requires a broader review of hardware redesign, protocol stack, firmware migration, line-coupling design, and product lifecycle requirements.

Quality

ST7590T should be sourced as original STMicroelectronics components through traceable and controlled supply channels. Quality verification procedures may include TQFP100 exposed-pad package inspection, top-mark validation, tray and label review, lead coplanarity inspection, solderability testing, VCC / VDDIO continuity checks, oscillator startup verification, host UART / SPI communication testing, external memory interface checks, PLC transmit / receive path screening, PA_OUT bias inspection, and incoming inspection according to smart-metering PLC production requirements.

Availability

ST7590T is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for PRIME smart-metering nodes, AMR / AMI communication modules, power line networking equipment, smart grid PLC boards, and legacy ST7590T-based utility products requiring stable component supply and repeatable production support.

Supply support may include scheduled delivery planning, volume procurement support, BOM continuity assistance, traceable sourcing management, and long-term availability support for meter manufacturers, utility equipment builders, PLC module developers, repair groups, contract manufacturers, and legacy smart-grid product owners.

For production deployment, confirming the TQFP100 exposed-pad footprint, external serial NVM requirement, optional SRAM bus use, 8 MHz clock plan, 8 V to 18 V VCC supply, 3.3 V or 5 V VDDIO interface level, PLC coupling-network design, host interface mode, environmental requirements, and sourcing continuity helps reduce procurement risk and improve manufacturing stability.

Manufacturer

STMicroelectronics supplies power line communication transceivers, microcontrollers, connectivity devices, analog ICs, power-management components, sensors, protection products, and discrete semiconductors for smart energy, industrial, automotive, communication, and embedded applications. ST7590T belongs to ST's STarGRID power line networking portfolio for PRIME-compliant narrow-band OFDM PLC communication.

FAQ

What is ST7590T used for?

ST7590T is used for narrow-band OFDM power line communication in PRIME-compliant smart metering, AMR / AMI networks, smart grid nodes, and utility communication equipment. It integrates the PLC physical layer, analog front end, line driver, host interface, encryption block, zero-crossing detector, and memory-boot support needed for mains-line data communication.

What communication standard does ST7590T support?

ST7590T supports PRIME-compliant power line communication using OFDM with 96 subcarriers in the CENELEC A band. The PHY supports BDPSK, QDPSK, and 8DPSK modulation, plus convolutional coding, Viterbi decoding, signal-to-noise estimation, and channel-quality estimation for operation over noisy low-voltage power networks.

What is the difference between ST7590T and ST7590?

ST7590T is the TQFP100 package version with external serial nonvolatile memory boot support and optional external SRAM interface access. ST7590 is the QFN48 version, which uses embedded firmware for the full PRIME protocol stack and does not provide the same external memory bus structure. The two versions require different PCB layouts and firmware-memory planning.

What package is used by ST7590T?

ST7590T uses a TQFP100 exposed-pad package with a 14 mm × 14 mm body, 0.50 mm pitch, and 1.2 mm maximum height. The 100-pin package exposes host interface pins, external memory pins, analog PLC pins, power amplifier pins, GPIO, JTAG, oscillator pins, and multiple supply domains needed by a complete PLC node.

Which supplies are required by ST7590T?

ST7590T uses an 8 V to 18 V VCC supply for the main power-line driver section and a 3.3 V or 5 V VDDIO supply for digital I/O. Internal regulators generate the 5 V analog supply and 1.8 V digital / PLL-related rails, and those regulator outputs are used for filtering rather than for powering external circuitry.

Does ST7590T include a power amplifier?

Yes. ST7590T includes an integrated power amplifier for power line transmission. The amplifier supports up to 1 Arms typical output current and 14 Vpp single-ended output capability, and its PA_IN_P, PA_IN_N, PA_OUT, and CL pins allow the external active-filter and current-feedback network to be designed around the required line-coupling interface.

What clock does ST7590T need?

ST7590T uses an 8 MHz clock source. The design can connect an 8 MHz crystal between XIN and XOUT, with the internal oscillator using integrated load-capacitor support, or it can drive XIN directly with an external 8 MHz clock while leaving XOUT unused. Stable clock design is important for PLC modem timing and protocol operation.

What are common ST7590T alternatives?

Common comparison options include ST7590TR for the same TQFP100 PLC SoC in tape-and-reel format, ST7590 for the smaller QFN48 version with a different memory approach, and ST8500TR for a later ST power line communication modem redesign path. These options are not automatically interchangeable; engineers must compare package, firmware, memory interface, line coupling, and host software requirements.