Boost converter targets energy-harvesting apps

Boost converter targets energy-harvesting apps

The LTC3108 is a highly integrated step-up dc/dc converter designed to start up and run from input voltage sources as low as 20 mV, such as thermoelectric generators, thermopiles, and small solar cells. Small temperature differences can be harvested and used to generate system power instead of traditional battery power.

The dc/dc converter uses a small step-up transformer to provide a power management solution. Its 2.2–V LDO can power an external microcontroller, while its main output is pin selectable to 2.35-, 3.3-, 4.1-, or 5–V fixed voltages to power a wireless transmitter or sensors. A second switched output powers devices that do not have a micropower shutdown capability. The addition of a storage capacitor provides continuous power even when the input energy source is unavailable. (From $2.95 ea/1,000 — available now.)

Linear Technology , Milpitas , CA
Sales Office 408-428-2050
http://www.linear.com