Ultra-low-voltage step-up converter targets energy harvesting apps

Ultra-low-voltage step-up 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. The less-than-6-µA quiescent current and high-efficiency design ensure fast charge times for the output reservoir capacitor. The device is contained in a 3 x 4–mm DFN or SSOP-16 package. (From $2.95 ea/1,000 — available now.)

Linear Technology , Milpitas , CA
Information 408-432-1900
http://www.linear.com