Summary of MAXIM INTEGRATED MAX20361 SINGLE-CELL/MULTI-CELL SOLAR HARVESTER
Maxim Integrated’s MAX20361 is a compact, fully integrated solar energy harvester for single- and multi-cell sources. It features an ultra-low quiescent boost converter that can start from 225 mV, a proprietary MPPT using a fractional VOC method for efficient harvesting from 15 µW to over 300 mW, and integrated Li-ion optimized charging/protection with programmable cutoff and temperature shutoff via I2C. It supports charging supercapacitors and thin-film/traditional capacitors, achieves up to 86% efficiency at VSYS = 3.8V, ISRC = 30mA, and is offered in a 12-bump WLP (1.63 x 1.23 mm).
Parts used in the MAX20361 Solar Harvester:
- MAX20361 solar harvester IC (12-bump WLP)
- 2016-sized 4.7µH inductor
- Li-ion battery (or supercapacitor/thin-film/traditional capacitor as energy storage)
- I2C interface for programming
- Solar cell(s) single-cell or multi-cell input (225mV to 2.5V range)
Maxim Integrated MAX20361 Single-Cell/Multi-Cell Solar Harvester is a fully integrated solution for harvesting energy from single-cell and multi-cell solar sources. The MAX20361 includes an ultra-low quiescent current (360nA) boost converter that is capable of starting from input voltages as low as 225mV.
To maximize the power extracted from the source, the MAX20361 implements a proprietary maximum power point tracking (MPPT) technique that allows efficient harvesting from 15μW to over 300mW of available input power.
The MAX20361 features an integrated charging and protection circuit that is optimized for Li-ion batteries. This device can also be used to charge supercapacitors, thin-film batteries, or traditional capacitors. The charger features a programmable charging cut-off voltage with thresholds programmable through an I2C interface as well as temperature shutoff.
The Maxim Integrated MAX20361 Solar Harvester is available in a12-bump, 0.4mm pitch, 1.63mm x 1.23mm wafer-level package (WLP).
Features
- Single-Cell/Multi-Cell Solar Energy Harvester
- 225mV to 2.5V (typical) input voltage range
- Efficient harvesting from 15μW to over 300mW of available input power
- 86% efficiency at VSYS = 3.8V, ISRC = 30mA
- Small solution size
- Utilizes small 2016 4.7μH Inductor
- Maximum Power Point Tracking (MPPT) technique using fractional VOC method
Read more: MAXIM INTEGRATED MAX20361 SINGLE-CELL/MULTI-CELL SOLAR HARVESTER
- What input voltage range does the MAX20361 support?
The article states an input voltage range of 225mV to 2.5V (typical). - How low can the MAX20361 start harvesting from a solar source?
It can start from input voltages as low as 225mV. - What range of available input power can the MAX20361 efficiently harvest?
It efficiently harvests from 15µW to over 300mW of available input power. - What MPPT technique does the MAX20361 use?
It uses a proprietary maximum power point tracking technique based on a fractional VOC method. - Can the MAX20361 charge devices other than Li-ion batteries?
Yes, it can also charge supercapacitors, thin-film batteries, or traditional capacitors. - How is the charging cut-off voltage programmed?
The charging cut-off voltage thresholds are programmable through an I2C interface. - Does the MAX20361 provide temperature protection?
Yes, the charger features temperature shutoff as described in the article. - What efficiency is reported for the MAX20361 under test conditions?
The article reports 86% efficiency at VSYS = 3.8V, ISRC = 30mA. - What package is the MAX20361 available in?
It is available in a 12-bump, 0.4mm pitch, 1.63mm x 1.23mm wafer-level package (WLP).
