e-peas announced their AEM10941 power management IC has been designed into battery-less monitoring hardware from Dutch firm Xeelas, whose Series S uses solar energy to track and monitor assets. Covering a 50mV to 5V input voltage range and with an ultra-low power up (from just a 3µW input), the AEM10941 is optimized for photovoltaic-based energy harvesting deployments of this kind. The IC can deliver two voltage-regulated outputs (1.2-1.8V and 1.8V-4.1V). Shipped in a 28-pin QFN package, needs only minimal peripheral components to accompany it.
The Xeelas Series S gateways, that include the AEM10941 PMICs, are intended for acquiring periodic data on the operational status of non-powered assets situated in remote locations, capturing data from connected sensors and then transmitting it to the cloud. Any issues that could cause malfunction may then be identified and responded to. Key uses for these gateway modules are in relation to diesel generators, fuel tanks, container units and various other kinds of mobile industrial assets. There are also prospects for them in waste management and smart agriculture.
The gateways have 2 solar panels that are able to serve as GPS antennas, in order to get a quick and accurate location fix. Cellular IoT (LTE-M and NB-IoT) plus GSM connectivity allow data transmission, as well as over-the-air updates. The first units have already be deployed in the field, with more currently in production.
