AEM13920 gives valuable new flexibility to deploy the ideal mix of PV, RF,
thermal and kinetic energy sources for the application
Louvain-La-Neuve, Belgium – 29 August 2023 – e-peas, a leading supplier of energy harvesting ICs, has launched its first PMIC capable of handling simultaneous inputs from two independent energy sources.
Introduction to AEM13920
The new AEM13920 can maximize energy harvested from any combination of two sources, such as photovoltaic (PV) cells, thermo-electric generators (TEG), RF energy harvesters, or kinetic energy sources. Previously, PMICs were optimized for a single type of energy harvester, making this dual-source capability a significant advancement.
Applications and Benefits
The flexible dual-source capability of the AEM13920 opens up new design options for small electronic devices like remote controls, PC peripherals, and wireless sensors. For instance:
- Remote Controls: Separate PV cells on the front and rear maintain an energy input regardless of orientation.
- Smart Wireless Light Switches: Operate on mechanical energy for short RF transmissions and stored mechanical or light energy for longer operations such as firmware updates.
Key Features of AEM13920
The AEM13920 provides a comprehensive power management solution to maximize energy recovery:
- Ultra-High Efficiency: Achieves over 90% source-to-storage and storage-to-load conversion efficiencies.
- Ultra-Low Cold-Start: Starts at input conditions of 275 mV/1.5 µW.
- MPPT Algorithms: Independent maximum power point tracking for each source.
- Constant Source-Voltage Regulation: Option available for constant voltage.
System Optimization and Protection
The AEM13920 includes valuable features for system optimization and protection:
- Average Power Monitoring: Measures total energy transferred from each of the two sources to storage, and total energy supplied to the load, enabling detailed system monitoring by the host microcontroller.
- I2C Interface: Allows control of 39 register settings and system data read-outs.
- System Monitoring and Protection: Includes thermal monitoring of the storage element, selectable over-charge and over-discharge limits, and a shipping mode to protect the storage element.
Simplified Power-System Development
The AEM13920 simplifies power-system development and minimizes component count and bill-of-materials cost by integrating all necessary functions into a single chip:
- On-Chip Boost Converters: Manage source voltage conversion and supply to the storage element.
- On-Chip Buck Converter: Converts output from the storage element to a fixed voltage required by the application between 0.6 V and 2.5 V.
- 5 V Power Input: Back-up solution to charge the storage element if fully discharged.
Compatibility and Availability
The AEM13920 is compatible with various rechargeable batteries and storage elements, including lithium-polymer, LiFP, li-ceramic batteries, and hybrid lithium capacitors. Supplied in a 40-pin QFN package with a 5mm x 5mm QFN 40-pin package, it is available for sampling now.
Conclusion
Christian Ferrier, Chief Marketing Officer of e-peas, stated: “The AEM13920 is the latest product of our innovation, enabling designers to use the combination of two energy sources best suited for their applications. Our technology’s efficiency and effectiveness should encourage more OEMs to shift away from wasteful primary batteries, reducing electrical waste in landfills.”
For sample requests and more information about the AEM13920 and the 2AAEM13920J051 evaluation board, visit https://e-peas.com/product/aem13920-dual-source-energy-harvesting/
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Media contacts
e-peas SA
E: sales@e-peas.com
Rhianna Ogle, TKO Marketing Consultants
T: +44 7866 997774
About e-peas
e-peas develops and markets disruptive ultra-low power semiconductor technology. This enables industrial and IoT wireless product designers to substantially extend battery lifespans and eliminate the heavy call-out costs of replacing batteries, without in any way compromising on reliability. Relying on 15 years of research and patented intellectual property, the company’s products increase the amount of harvested energy and drastically reduce the energy consumption of all power consuming blocks within wireless sensor nodes. Headquartered in Mont-Saint-Guibert, Belgium, with additional offices in Switzerland and the USA, e-peas offers a portfolio of energy harvesting power management interface ICs, microcontrollers and sensor solutions.
For more information, please visit e-peas’ website at https://e-peas.com