Linear Technology Corp. announces the LTC3588-1, a complete energy harvesting solution optimized for low energy sources, including piezoelectric transducers. The LTC3588-1 integrates a low-loss, full-wave bridge rectifier with a high efficiency buck converter to harvest ambient vibrational energy via piezoelectric transducers and then convert it to a well-regulated output to power application microcontrollers, sensors, data converters, and wireless transmission components. The LTC3588-1 operates from an input voltage range of 2.7 to 20 V, making it suitable for a wide array of piezoelectric transducers, as well other high output impedance energy sources.
Its high efficiency buck dc/dc converter delivers up to 100 mA of continuous output current or even higher pulsed loads. Its output can be programmed to one of four (1.8, 2.5, 3.3, or 3.6 V) fixed voltages to power a wireless transmitter or sensor. Quiescent current is only 950 nA with the output in regulation (at no load), maximizing overall efficiency.
The LTC3588-1 is designed to interface directly with a piezoelectric or alternative ac power source, rectify a voltage waveform, and store harvested energy in an external storage capacitor while dissipating any excess power via an internal shunt regulator. An ultralow quiescent current (450 nA) undervoltage lockout (ULVO) mode with a wide hysteresis window enables charge to accumulate on the storage capacitor until the buck converter can efficiently transfer a portion of the stored charge to the output.
In its no load sleep state, the LTC3588-1 regulates the output voltage, consuming only 950 nA of quiescent current while continuously charging the storage capacitor. The LTC3588-1 requires minimal external components and is packaged in either a 3 x 3mm DFN or a thermally enhanced MSOP-10 package, providing a compact solution footprint for a broad range of energy harvesting applications.
For more information, contact Linear Technology Corp., 1630 McCarthy Blvd., Milpitas, CA 95035. Phone: 408-432-1900.
