Summary of MERCURY DC/DC BOOST CONVERTERS HARVEST ENERGY FROM TEGS
MATRIX Industries' Mercury is a highly integrated DC/DC boost converter designed for energy harvesting from low-voltage sources like thermoelectric generators. It features microwatt cold-start, input impedance matching, and regulated output to maximize efficiency across varying input voltages while preventing voltage overshoot.
Parts used in the Mercury Boost Converter Project:
- Transformer
- Input capacitor
- Output capacitor
- Schottky diode (optional)
- Microcontroller
- 8-bit on-chip ADC
MATRIX Industries’ nanopower energy harvesting boost converter with microwatt cold-start, input impedance matching, and regulated output
MATRIX Industries’ Mercury is a family of highly integrated DC/DC boost converters that are ideal for harvesting and managing surplus energy from extremely low input voltage sources such as TEGs (thermoelectric generators) and thermopiles. The patented transformer reuse topology works as a flyback converter and can operate from input power as little as a few microwatts. The unique impedance matching feature presents a constant impedance load and enables the highest efficiency energy harvesting across the entire operating range of input voltages.
There are multiple input protection voltage options available based on the ratio of the transformer. The 8-bit on-chip ADC detects when VOC exceeds the programmed limit and turns off the input to ensure reliable operation. The result of the measurement is transmitted via a two-wire interface to a microcontroller. The converter is available in maximum output voltages from 2 V to 5 V. Integrated VOUT regulation prevents voltage overshoot, securing reliable operation with various battery types.
Features
- VIN as low as 10 mV (VOC=20 mV, RIN=5 Ω) to VOUT of up to 5 V
- VIN as low as 6 mV (VOC=12 mV, RIN=5 Ω) to VOUT of 3 V
- Ultra-low quiescent current of 700 nA ensures the fastest possible charge times of the output reservoir capacitor
- Cold-start with VOC=16 mV (RIN=5 Ω, 1:100 transformer)
- Up to 80% peak conversion efficiency
- Near-ideal impedance matching with input source
- Built-in VOC monitoring through an 8-bit ADC
- True shutdown by disconnecting output when VOC is below startup requirement securing zero power leakage
- Three external components are required: input capacitor, output capacitor, and transformer
- Optional Schottky diode for efficiency improvement
- Compact WLP package available
Read more: MERCURY DC/DC BOOST CONVERTERS HARVEST ENERGY FROM TEGS
- What is the minimum input voltage for the Mercury converter?
The device can operate with VIN as low as 10 mV or 6 mV depending on the specific configuration. - How does the converter handle input protection?
An 8-bit on-chip ADC detects when VOC exceeds limits and turns off the input to ensure reliable operation. - Can this converter start up with very low power?
Yes, it features cold-start capability with VOC as low as 16 mV using a 1:100 transformer. - What external components are required for operation?
Three external components are needed: an input capacitor, an output capacitor, and a transformer. - Does the converter prevent voltage overshoot?
Integrated VOUT regulation prevents voltage overshoot to secure reliable operation with various battery types. - How does the converter achieve high efficiency?
It uses unique impedance matching to present a constant impedance load and offers up to 80% peak conversion efficiency. - Is there a way to monitor the input voltage?
True shutdown disconnects the output when VOC is below startup requirements, and results are transmitted via a two-wire interface. - What is the quiescent current of the device?
The converter has an ultra-low quiescent current of 700 nA to ensure the fastest possible charge times.
