Boost converter targets solar battery chargers

Boost converter targets solar battery chargers

The SPV1040 step-up dc/dc converter targets solar battery chargers for portable applications and employ Maximum Power Point Tracking (MPPT), a technique for collecting the maximum possible energy from solar cells. It can be connected to strips of just a few cells, allowing use in products such as portable healthcare devices, watches, calculators, wireless headsets, toys, mobile phones, sensors, and security cameras.

The MPPT algorithm embedded in the step-up converter device dynamically adjusts the charger’s input impedance to ensure matching with the solar cell. It has an input voltage range from 0.3 to 5.5 Vdc, up to 95% efficiency, thermal shutdown and protection circuitry, and a shutdown pin. ($2 ea/1,000 available now.)

By Paul O’Shea

STMicroelectronics , Lexington , MA
Information 781-861-2650
www.st.com