Solar Charger Keeps Portables Running Longer

Forecasting longer mobile equipment runtimes, the SPV1040 step-up dc/dc converter is tailored as a solar battery charger for portable applications employing Maximum Power Point Tracking (MPPT), a technique for collecting the maximum possible energy from solar cells. The MPPT algorithm embedded in the SPV1040 dynamically adjusts the charger’s input impedance to ensure perfect matching with the solar cell, thereby maximizing energy transfer to the battery and improving overall system efficiency. Features include an input-voltage range from 0.3V to 5.5V, a low-loss synchronous rectifier and power switch, up to 95% efficiency, a shutdown pin to aid system-level power management, and thermal shutdown and protection circuitry. Available in a TSSOP8 plastic package, price for the SPV1040 is $2 each/1,000. STMICROELECTRONICS, Lexington, MA. (888) 787-3550.