Freescale Semiconductor has unveiled a breakthrough in power conversion technology for photovoltaic (PV) applications this week at the Applied Power Electronics Conference and Exposition (APEC).
Freescale Semiconductor has developed an advanced, ultra-low-voltage DC/DC converter technology that enables industry-leading solar cell startup and operating performance and efficiency at levels as low as 0.32V, as well as operation down to 0.25V. Most ICs cannot start up at voltages less than the typical turn-on voltage of a transistor (approximately 0.7V) without external assistance, thus reducing system design options and increases the complexity of power conversion and energy recovery applications involving ultra-low voltages.
Freescale’s power conversion technology enables IC startup thresholds to be reduced to 0.32V and efficiencies of nearly 90 percent. This technology breakthrough can enable practical and cost-effective ways to develop a wide range of single-cell solar power systems and other energy-harvesting applications, such as thermoelectric and mechanical scavenging systems. Potential applications include solar-powered battery chargers, trickle chargers for automotive systems, chargers for cell phones and laptops, remote data acquisition and industrial HVAC systems, photovoltaic (PV)-based traffic signals, solar-powered home and commercial lighting products, and self-powered wireless transponders.
Using a low-cost single solar cell, Freescale’s power conversion technology is engineered to charge a Li-Ion battery cell at 100mA. Present charging systems require multiple solar cells in series, which drives up cost, reduces efficiency, and increases sensitivity to shading and cell mismatches.
The performance and efficiency of Freescale’s DC/DC power conversion technology is achieved through a combination of SMARTMOS 10 process technology, optimized flip-chip on leadframe (FCOL) packaging and innovative IC design. Freescale’s 130nm SMARTMOS 10 technology is engineered to enable both low voltage operation and high efficiency.
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