Summary of E-PEAS BATTERY CHARGERS TARGET WEARABLE, MEDICAL AND SENSOR PRODUCTS
e-peas introduced a new family of dedicated battery charger PMICs (AEM10900, AEM10300, AEM30300) for energy-harvesting systems, offering simplified, space- and cost-conscious charging solutions with zero quiescent battery draw. The AEM10900 is optimized for single-cell photovoltaic panels, featuring fast MPPT for moving objects, 250 mV cold-start, I2C interface, battery thermal protection, a joule counter, and a shipping mode. Targeted applications include wearable consumer devices and body-worn medical monitors.
Parts used in the AEM10900 Project:
- AEM10900 PMIC boost converter
- Single-cell photovoltaic panel
- Rechargeable single-cell battery (Li-Ion or super-capacitor)
- I2C interface connection
- QFN package (option for constant impedance matching)
Addressing the need for streamlined power management solutions for energy harvesting hardware, e-peas has unveiled a new family of battery charger devices. While the company’s existing power management ICs (PMICs) offer direct power delivery to the application, as well as the charging of energy storage elements (such as Li-Ion batteries or super-capacitors), the AEM10900, AEM10300 and AEM30300 are fully dedicated to the charging function. This allows them to be employed in situations that need a simpler implementation, where there are space or cost constraints that need to be considered. The PMICs are able to achieve zero quiescent current draw from the battery – meaning that if energy harvesting stops for a prolonged period of time, the energy stored in the battery will not be wasted supplying the PMIC.
Working in conjunction with a single-cell photovoltaic panel, the highly integrated AEM10900 PMIC boost converter is optimized for solar-based energy harvesting implementations. Through its super-fast power point tracking (MPPT) functionality specially set for objects in movement, this device is able to ensure that it gets the most energy from the ambient illumination available – so as much as possible can be stored. In addition, it has a 250mV cold start capability, which means it can commence with charging the battery even when light intensities are very low. AEM10900 introduces an I2C interface to minimize the pin count and to offer a larger set of potential configurations. It offers an array of features, including battery thermal protection, a joule counter to let the user know the amount of energy harvested, plus a shipping mode in which the battery cannot be charged. Key applications from this PMIC will be wearable consumer products and body-worn medical monitoring equipment.
AEM10900 Highlights
Ultra-low-power start-up
- Cold start from 250 mV input voltage and 5 μW input power (typical)
Highly efficient energy extraction
- Periodic open-circuit voltage sensing for Maximum Power Point Tracking (MPPT);
- Configurable MPPT ratios of 35, 50 and from 60 to 90% by 5% steps;
- Constant impedance matching (QFN package only);
- Configurable MPPT sensing timing and period;
- MPPT voltage operation range from 115 mV to 1.5 V.
Read more: E-PEAS BATTERY CHARGERS TARGET WEARABLE, MEDICAL AND SENSOR PRODUCTS
- What devices make up the new family of battery charger PMICs?
The family comprises AEM10900, AEM10300 and AEM30300 dedicated battery charger PMICs. - Can the AEM10900 perform under very low light?
Yes, it supports cold start from 250 mV input voltage and 5 μW input power typical, allowing charging in very low light. - Does the AEM10900 draw quiescent current from the battery?
No, the PMICs can achieve zero quiescent current draw from the battery. - What energy source is the AEM10900 optimized for?
It is optimized for solar-based energy harvesting using a single-cell photovoltaic panel. - How does the AEM10900 maximize energy extraction?
It uses super-fast MPPT with periodic open-circuit voltage sensing and configurable MPPT ratios and timing to extract maximum energy. - Does the AEM10900 support communication or configuration?
Yes, it introduces an I2C interface to minimize pin count and offer more configuration options. - What protective or monitoring features does the AEM10900 include?
It includes battery thermal protection, a joule counter to report harvested energy, and a shipping mode preventing battery charging. - In which package is constant impedance matching available?
Constant impedance matching is available in the QFN package. - What applications are targeted for the AEM10900?
Key applications are wearable consumer products and body-worn medical monitoring equipment.
