Design Note: page 15 Relay-driver design for a smarter ... · FUTURE TECHNOLOGY MAGAZINE ISSUE 1306 Design Note: page 15 Relay-driver design for a smarter smart grid Technical View:

F U T U R E T E C H N O L O G Y M A G A Z I N E

I S S U E 1 3 0 6

Design Note: page 15Relay-driver design for a smarter smart grid

Technical View: pages 29-31 Using microcontrollers to harvest extrarenewable energy

Application Spotlight: pages 16-27Freescale ARM® Cortex™-M4 wireless MCU foradvanced smart-meter and smart-building

Component Focus: pages 2-14 Intersil PFC controller debuts negative-capacitancetechnology for increased performance

In association with www.my-boardclub.com

Application Spotlight on

Smart Metering,Energy Harvestingand Solar

CUI releases latest miniature DC/DCconvertersCUI Inc., has added the PDS and PES families toits broad range of isolated, board-mount DC/DCconverters in 1W, 2W and 3W power ratings,housed in compact, industry-standard SIP, DIP,and SMT packages.

The latest modules are second-generationproducts offering improved efficiency, isolation andthermal performance compared to existingproducts. Designers can choose from nominalinputs of 3.3V, 5V, 12V, 15V, and 24V DC and arange of single and dual output-voltageconfigurations. The converters offer efficiency ashigh as 89% in the 2W models, 1.5kV DC isolationand anti-static protection up to 8kV DC. The PDSand PES series are designed with an ultra-wideoperating temperature range of -40°C to 105°C,offering a rugged and reliable solution forconverting and/or isolating DC rails within a rangeof industrial, telecom, security, and machine-control applications.

MQX4.0 delivers moreThe next release of Freescale’s popular MQX™

RTOS has arrived. MQX4.0 is available free with all32-bit MCUs and MPUs, with features includinglow-power management for the entire Kinetisportfolio and ColdFire+ devices, support for tasksrunning in user mode, enhancements to the Real-Time TCP/IP Communication Suite (RTCS)including IPv6 core protocols, and new I2S andSAI audio drivers for the Kinetis processor family.

In addition, the MQX File System (MFS) deliversfaster read and write speeds for SD cards andUSB memory sticks, and supports MFS overNAND Flash memory as an add-on softwaresolution. MQX4.0 also extends tool support,including CodeWarrior™ Eclipse Updater for TaskAware Debug and Project Wizard plug-ins, BSPCloning Wizard, support for Gnu CompilerCollection (GCC) in conjunction with TWR-K60N512, TWR-K60D100M, TWR-K70F120MTower System modules, and CodeWarrior 10.3with Freescale ARM® compiler.

Microchip reveals latest-generationwireless portfolioMicrochip has dramatically expanded its wirelessportfolio by adding new devices for advancedBluetooth®, Wi-Fi® and IEEE 802.15.4 applications.

The new PIC32 Bluetooth audio developmentkit includes a new certified Bluetooth HCItransceiver module, has Bluetooth profiles tailoredfor the PIC32, supports audio CODECs such as SBC,AAC and MP3, and can be used with Microchip’sexisting Made for iPod® and Android™ stacks.

The RN XV series of Wi-Fi and Bluetooth socketmodules provide agency-certified, drop-inconnectivity for any XBee® socket. The stacks areintegrated on the module, configured via simpleASCII commands, and can easily connect to anyMCU via a serial interface.

The low-power MRF24WG0MA/MB modulesprovide a footprint-compatible migration path forusers of Microchip’s existing Wi-Fi modules,offering increased speed, access-pointcompatibility and functionality. They connect at allIEEE 802.11b/g data rates up to 54Mbit/s, andare Microchip’s first to support a sustainedthroughput of 5Mbit/s.

S TA R P R O D U C T

2 E M A I L I N F O @ M Y- F T M . C O M F O R S A M P L E S A N D D ATA S H E E T S

Typically, relays must be customised to meetthe requirements of an OEM’s specific powermeter. The EW80 series provides the flexibilityto customise the positions of contact terminalsto fit the terminals of a given meter, and a shuntcan be implemented as an option.

The EW80 represents the current offeringfrom TE as a remote-disconnect device for therapidly growing electronic-meter and smart-meter sectors. Work is currently underway toexpand the TE metering-relay portfolio. Asingle-pole 100A/120A version is expected tobe available later this year, and other models arealso in development for remote disconnect.Additionally, TE offers a broad range of general-purpose relays suitable for use in the auxiliaryswitching circuits of power meters.

TE CONNECTIVITY

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©Copyright 2013 Future Electronics Ltd. All trademarks contained herein arethe property of their respective owners. Applications for product samples,badge boards, demonstration boards, Future-Blox Boards and otheradvertised materials from Future Electronics are subject to qualification.

Newsin brief 80A relays target smart-meter applications,

offering high overload capabilities andmeter-specific customisation

TE Connectivity's EW80 relays are highly robust for use in utility-metering applications, and offer flexibility to meet the needs of meter OEMs

The EW80 series comprises 1 Form A (normallyopen) high-power relays rated up to 80A, andoffers UL-recognised contact endurance of10,000 cycles under a rated load of 80A/250Vat 70°C. The relay is driven by a bistable(latching) coil system to help minimise energyconsumption. Currently, a single-coil version isavailable, and a dual-coil version is beingdeveloped for later release. EW80 relays carryCQC-Mark certification.

The relay’s ability to withstand overloadconditions such as short circuits is critical inpower-meter applications. TE therefore offersthe standard model EW80 relay, as well as ahigh-performance version for UC1 utilisationcategories per IEC 65052 part 11.

TE Connectivity™ (TE) EW80 relays aredesigned specifically for smart-meterapplications, offering special featuresincluding increased ability to withstandoverloads such as short circuits andalso providing the option of a shunt aswell as flexibility to customise terminalpositions.

APPLICATIONS• Electricity meters• Smart meters• Pre-paid power meters

FEATURES• 80mV initial voltage drop at 80A• UL E58304 and CQC 09002031473

approvals• 1500VRMS insulation between contacts• Ambient-temperature range:

-40°C to 70°C

SECURITYAUTOMOTIVEMEDICALLIGHTINGINDUSTRIALENERGY CONSUMER TELECOMMS

P.I.E.S E C T I O N

CoilCode

RatedVoltage

SetVoltage

ResetVoltage

CoilResistance

RatedCoil

Power

B005 5V DC 4V DC 4V DC 25Ω 1WB006 6V DC 4.8V DC 4.8V DC 36Ω 1WB009 9V DC 7.2V DC 7.2V DC 81Ω 1WB012 12V DC 9.6V DC 9.6V DC 144Ω 1WB024 24V DC 19.2V DC 19.2V DC 576Ω 1W my-ftm.com/130602FOR PARTS AND

LATEST PRICING

3V I S I T T H E O N L I N E F T M M A G A Z I N E AT: W WW . M Y- F T M . C O M

C O M P O N E N T F O C U S

X1 suppression capacitors deliver versatilechoices for designers

The Vishay F339X series is available in a wide range of case sizes, with lead pitch from10mm to 27.5mm

VISHAY

Aluminium capacitors deliver longer-lasting high-temperature performance

With low impedance and high ripple-current capability, the 160CLA series is ideal forautomotive or industrial applications

VISHAY

Vishay F339X interference-suppressionpolypropylene filmcapacitors are availablein E6 capacitancevalues from 0.001µF to1.2µF with voltagerating of 480V AC or upto 2.2µF with a rating of330V AC.

The capacitors are ideal forgeneral-purpose across-the-line X1 applications, and arehoused in radial pottedpackages in a range ofstandard sizes from 10mmto 27.5mm lead pitch. Fourlead-length codes are alsoavailable, giving users achoice of nominal leadlength from 3.5mm to25mm.

The capacitors are available in sixcase sizes, ranging from 12.5mm x12.5mm x 13mm to 18mm x 18mmx 21mm. For enhanced performanceand reliability, the 160 CLA devicesfeature a very low ‘Z’, or maximumimpedance at 100kHz, of 0.035Ω,ripple current to 1.35A, and 2000-hours useful life at 150°C.

Capacitance values are availablefrom 100µF to 3300µF over a 16V to50V voltage range.

As polarised aluminium electrolyticcapacitors with a non-solid, self-healing electrolyte, the devices are

Customers can also choose from capacitancetolerance of ±20%, ±10% or ±5%. Thecapacitors are able to withstand a maximumapplication temperature of 110°C.

Vishay 160CLA series aluminiumcapacitors provide advancedtemperature capability,operating up to 150°C, andcombine outstandingrobustness with very lowimpedance, high ripple current,and long useful life.

APPLICATIONS• Domestic appliances• Industrial controls• Power tools• Laboratory equipment

FEATURES• 1000V DC maximum permissible DC

voltage• Agency approvals: IEC 60384-14 ed-3,

EN 60384-14, CSA-E384-14; UL 60384-14, CQC

• Climatic testing class according to IEC 60068-1: 55/110/56/B



APPLICATIONS• Automotive powertrain and chassis

electronics• Controllers close to engine• Industrial drives and automation• Renewable-energy generation• Switched-mode power supplies

FEATURES• ±20% capacitance tolerance• Operating-temperature range:

-55°C to 150°C• 300,000 to 400,000 hours useful life at

40°C and 1.8 x rated current



P.I.E.S E C T I O N

ideally suited for filtering, smoothing,buffering, and voltage decoupling applicationsin high-temperature environments.

Since the capacitors are charge- anddischarge-proof, there is no peak-current

limitation. For vibration-proof performance,the devices are offered in 4-pin and 6-pinversions. For increased processing flexibility,the 160 CLA devices meet IPC/JEDEC J-STD-020 soldering guidelines for severereflow conditions. The series is AEC-Q200qualified for use in automotive applications.

APPLICATIONS• MKP1848:

• High-performance DC filtering• Hybrid/electric-vehicle powertrain• Inverters for solar- or wind-power

generation• Motor drives• Power supplies

• MKP385:• Power supplies• Lighting ballasts• Motor controls• High-frequency and pulse circuits• Television S-correction circuits• Loudspeaker crossover networks• Digital audio systems

FEATURES• 85°C rated temperature• Rated DC voltage:

• 160V-2500V (MKP385 series)• 450V-1200V (MKP1848 series)

• Compact package dimensions• Application-optimised characteristics


Board-to-board connectors provide float formulti-stacking applications

High reliability and low energy losses make the MKP1848 and MKP385 series attractive foruse in clean-energy applications

Compact, robust capacitors optimisedfor DC-link and pulse applications

VISHAY

The MKP1848 series coversnominal capacitances from 1µFto 400µF with tolerance of±5%, and devices are availablein radial packages with two orfour connectors for PCBassembly. They have highpeak-current and RMS-currentratings, and their low EquivalentSeries Resistance (ESR) helpsto minimise energy losses andself-heating in DC-linkapplications. MKP1848 devicesare AEC-Q200 qualified for usein automotive systems.

The low-loss dielectric and low contactresistance of the MKP385 series make thesedevices ideal for AC and pulse applications.They can be used where steep pulses occursuch as in switched-mode power supplies.This series covers the capacitance range of0.00047µF to 82µF, with tolerance of ±5%.The devices are housed in radial pottedpackages in a range of sizes, with lead pitchfrom 5mm to 52.5mm.

The Vishay MKP1848 and MKP385series of metallised polypropylene filmcapacitors are designed to providestrong performance in DC-link orAC/pulse applications respectively.They feature compact construction,self-healing capability, and highreliability.



HIROSE

APPLICATIONS• Industrial equipment• Broadcast equipment• Smart meters• Medical devices• Cellular-basestation equipment• Measuring instruments• Projectors

FEATURES• 0.5mm contact pitch• Contact positions:

40, 60, 80, 100, 120 or 140• Stacking height options:

15mm, 20mm, 25mm or 30mm• 50V AC voltage rating• 150V AC withstanding voltage• 70mΩ contact resistance



C O M P O N E N T F O C U SP.I.E.S E C T I O N

Intersil’s ISL6730A: page 7Fairchild’s FCH47N60F: page 13PARTNERWORKING

Hirose FX20 series board-to-boardconnectors have a unique floatingstructure that can absorb mountingmisalignment in applications wheremultiple stacking connectors are used.

The header connector has a unique floatingstructure embedded inside the fixedbase of the housing. This allowsa minimum alignmentmovement in XYdirections of ±0.6mmto absorb mountingmisalignment, vibrationand dimensional errors.Large mating guides on eachside of the connector allow foralignment movement of ±1.2mm inXY directions to simplify the matingoperation and prevent incorrect insertion.

The receptacle features double-beamcontacts, in which each beam has a differentvibration characteristic to avoid resonance and

hence ensure high vibration resistance andcontact reliability. In addition, the first beamcontact has a self-cleaning function whicheliminates dust from the contact path of thesecond beam contact. The effective contactlength of 1.5mm also contributes to ensuringhigh contact reliability. Despite the fine pitch of0.5mm, each contact has 0.5A current-handling capacity.

The contact area provides clearancebetween the contact and the housing, whichprevents solder wicking and flux contaminationdue to capillary action during assembly. The

PCB layout design allows PCB traces to berouted underneath the connector for

design flexibility.Hirose’s popular FX18 high-

speed, board-to-boardconnector series

shares the samestack height

variants as FX20.This allows designers

to use both types ofconnectors on the same PCB

when both high-speed and high-current connectivity is required.

Robust capacitors minimise parasitic effects foroptimum energy efficiency

EMKP and HDMKP series capacitors operate reliably in applications that are subject to rapidfrequency fluctuations

VISHAY

Both series comprisemetallised polypropylene filmcapacitors in cylindrical casesfor power-electronicsapplications.

The EMKP series isdesigned to have extremelylow losses at high frequencies,featuring Equivalent SeriesResistance (ESR) down to0.7mΩ while also providing

Vishay EMKP (AC application) andHDMKP (DC application) seriescapacitors have high current andvoltage ratings and high mechanicalrobustness for DC-linking, AC/DC-filtering, snubbing, commutation andsurge suppression in equipment suchas wind turbines, low-power drives anduninterruptible powersupplies.

APPLICATIONS• Industrial inverters• Low-power drives• Welding equipment• Wind turbines• Power supplies• Traction converters

FEATURES• Non-polarised dielectric• Agency approvals: IEC 61071-1,

IEC 61881 and EN61071-1• 400V rated DC voltage • Capacitance range: 0.1µF to 470µF



current rating of up to 25kA. The HDMKPseries is designed for high reliability and lifeexpectancy, and are able to withstand heavy-duty shock and vibration.


C O M P O N E N T F O C U S P.I.E.S E C T I O N

V I S I T T H E O N L I N E F T M M A G A Z I N E AT: W WW . M Y- F T M . C O M 5

IIR’s IRSM8360xxMA: page 13Rohm’s SiC MOSFETs: page 26PARTNERWORKING

RMS current ratings up to 80A and highimpulse-discharge current capability. Thesedevices feature an internal tear-off fuse andhave high reliability with life expectancy of over100,000 hours

The HDMKP series has self-inductance ofless than 70nH, which minimises self heatingin applications such as wind-turbineelectronics that are subject to rapid changes infrequency. The series also has high RMScurrent ratings of up to 150A and impulse-



SiGe:C low-noise amplifiers supportsuperior mobile user experiences

The FOD8160 delivers outstanding noise immunity and isolation forreliability and safety

Wide-body package enhances optocouplercreepage/clearance, cuts PCB footprint

FAIRCHILD SEMICONDUCTOR

The FOD8160 has high noise immunity andlogic-compatible I/Os, and is enclosed in awide-body 5-pin Small-Outline Package (SOP)that allows designers to build a robust systemwith a low transmission and error rate in asmall footprint. It provides flexibility toimplement isolation on the high-voltage side ofthe circuit, or to replace two digital isolators oroptocouplers of smaller creepage/clearancedistance. The device has maximum repetitivepeak isolation voltage (Viorm) of 1414V and its10mm creepage/clearance is much greaterthan standard high-speed optocouplers. Thisis a must for designs that require a Viorm valueof equal to, or greater than, 1000V.

Its 0.5mm insulation distance ensures reliable,high-voltage insulation.

The device provides low system-failure rateand proven reliability over extended periods oftime as required for industrial systems, andhelps to minimise both design costs and bill-of-materials costs. Compared to competingproducts it offers superior switchingperformance, low power consumption and

With its wide-body package allowing10mm creepage and clearance distance,the Fairchild Semiconductors FOD8160optocoupler enables robust, high-speed data communication in systemsmeeting very high safety standardssuch as IEC 62109 for solar inverters.

APPLICATIONS• Solar inverters• Industrial networks• Intelligent power modules

FEATURES• 3.3V or 5V supply voltage• 10Mbit/s maximum data rate• Extended operating temperature range up

to 100ºC• Safety and regulatory approvals:

UL1577, DIN-EN/IEC 60747-5-5,1,414VPEAK working voltage

• 8,000VPEAK transient isolation-voltagerating



superior Common-Mode Transient Immunity(CMTI) of greater than 20kV/µs usingFairchild’s Optoplanar® technology.

NXP SEMICONDUCTORS

The BGU705x series LNAs for basestationapplications provide 3dB-5dB more gain thancompeting alternative devices, in conjunctionwith low power consumption. They can beused both as the first- and second-stagereceiver LNA located in the basestation mastand transceiver, and provide the sub-1dB noisefigure and high linearity needed to handleextreme sensitivity and intermodulationinterference.

Within the BGU705x family, the BGU7051has a high input and output return loss and isdesigned to operate between 0.5GHz and1.5GHz. With 20dBm RF input-power overdrive

capability and ESD protection up to 4kV (HBM)or 2kV (CDM) on all terminals, it is also highlyrugged enabling reliable long-term basestationperformance. Integrated biasing circuitry, 3.3Vsupply voltage and low external componentcount, requiring only six capacitors, ensureeasy system integration.

The BGU8009 is part of a new family ofGNSS LNAs that also includes the BGU8011which maintains very high linearity of +7dBm.

The BGU8009 is the first device in theindustry to feature dynamic suppression ofstrong cellular and WLAN transmit signals,which ensures the best reception of weakGPS signals. It also has outstanding linearitywith third-order intercept (IP3) of 6dBm, whichis 10dB better than competing devices undertypical jamming conditions, while the noisefigure remains below 1dB. Featuring integratedtemperature-stabilised bias and requiring onlyone external matching inductor and oneexternal decoupling capacitor, as well asoffering the smallest footprint in the market, theBGU8009 simplifies design and saves up to50% in PCB size and 10% in component cost.

The latest families of silicon-germanium and carbon (SiGe:C)BiCMOS Low-Noise Amplifiers (LNAs)from NXP Semiconductors help toimprove experiences for mobile users, byenhancing handset GPS performanceand improving basestation receptionleading to fewer dropped calls.

APPLICATIONS• BGU7051:

• LNA for wireless infrastructure• General low-noise amplification

• BGU8009:• Smartphones/tablets• Digital cameras• RF front-end modules• GNSS modules• Personal healthcare devices

FEATURES• BGU7051:

• 0.65dB noise figure (NF) at 900MHz• 33dBm IP3O at 900MHz• High input and output return loss• Unconditionally stable• 110GHz transit frequency (SiGe:C)• 10-terminal leadless package:

3mm x 3mm x 0.85mm• BGU8009:

• 18dB gain• 7dBm input 1dB compression point• Supply-voltage range: 1.5V to 3.1V• Optimised performance at 4.2mA supply

current• Sub-1µA power-down mode



EVALUATIONBOARDS AT my-boardclub.com/ftm

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Innovative negative-capacitance PFCcontroller trims power-adapter profile

The ISL6730EVAL1Z evaluation board helps engineers to apply negative-capacitancetechnology in PFC designs

INTERSIL

Intersil’s negative-capacitancetechnology provides extrafreedom for designers tospecify a larger PFC inputcapacitor, while allowing theEMI filter to be implementedusing smaller components atthe output of the rectifierbridge. Although allowing asmaller solution, the ISL6730Aensures high power factor overline and load regulation. Anevaluation board containing an

The Intersil ISL6730A PFC controllerfeatures a unique, patented, negative-capacitance architecture that enablesdesigners to create more compactAC/DC adapters using chokes andcapacitors that are up to 66% smallerthan those used with conventionalcontroller architectures.

APPLICATIONS• Notebook adapters• Digital televisions• Home-audio equipment• Kitchen appliances• General-purpose AC/DC power adapters

FEATURES• 10-lead MSOP package• Internal current compensation• Continuous-current mode operation• High power factor and low harmonic

distortion



my-ftm.com/130612FOR MOREINFORMATION

Vishay’s MKP1848 & MKP385: page 4Fairchild’s FCH47N60F: page 13PARTNERWORKING


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Enjoy control, convenience and confidence with Future PLUS

Components shipped to you ‘production-ready’.With its Future Plus service, Future Electronics takes care ofthe preparation of your entire materials requirement, andships your bill-of-materials to you ‘production-ready’.It is convenient, quick and efficient for you: with Future Plus, all pre-production work such as component re-marking or programming is carriedout by the distributor you buy the components from.

And because the Future Electronics name stands behind every production-ready shipment we make, you can be confident you will receive exactly whatyou ordered.

To enquire about Future Plus pre-production services, contact yourusual branch of Future Electronics.

Future Plus services include: • Device programming• Tape and reeling, tube-to-tape,

tray-to-tape and tape-to-tape• Re-reeling• Device re-baking• Removal of markings

• Labelling and laser-marking of chippackages

• Cropping• Lead forming• Lead re-bending• Low-volume board assembly

F U T U R E E L E C T R O N I C S V A L U E - A D D E D S E R V I C E S

85W 400V-output PFC stage is available tohelp engineers to assess the technology.

Light-load efficiency is also enhanced, asthe controller features an intelligent sleepmode and also provides automatic pulseskipping. This has been shown to increaselight-load efficiency by up to 10% for a 90W,400V-output PFC stage.

The ISL6730A also has features to increasesystem reliability, including cycle-by-cyclecurrent limiting, an input average-power limit, andover-voltage and over-temperature protection.


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16-bit microcontrollers enhanceanalogue peripheral integration

The PIC24 KM series offers enhanced analogue and logic features and issupported by easy-to-use tools

MICROCHIP

The integrated timer and PWM functionsof the MCCP and SCCP modulessupport motor-control, power-supplyand lighting applications. The modulescan act asynchronously, which allowsoperation from a high-speed clock forhigher resolution, and can also carry outautomatic operations during sleep modeto help optimise power management.

The KM devices are also the firstPIC24 family to offer a ConfigurableLogic Cell (CLC) for increased on-chipinterconnection of peripherals.

The CLC module helps in creating customreal-time logic functions on-chip and issupported by the CLC configuration tool,which helps in coding the circuit graphicallyinstead of in assembly or C, thereby savingtime for the programmers.

In addition to advanced peripheralintegration, the KM family includes support forboth 3V and 5V applications. The PIC24Fvariants operate from 1.8V to 3.6V for use inportable battery-powered applications, and allinclude Microchip’s eXtreme Low Power (XLP)

APPLICATIONS• Flow meters• Smoke detectors• Motor drives• Lighting controls• Environmental sensors• Portable disposable medical products

FEATURES• 10/12-bit ADC• Up to two op-amps, two 8-bit DACs,

three analogue comparators• 22 touch-channel CTMU• Up to 11 16-bit timers including MCCP

and SCCP timers• UART, SPI and I2C modules



technology for optimal battery life. Forapplications where more dynamic range, noiseimmunity and robustness are the key factors,developers can choose PIC24FV productvariants which operate from 2.0V to 5.5V.

NXP's LFPAK56 package enhances thermal performance and savesPCB space

NXP SEMICONDUCTORS

The small outline 5mm x 6mm LFPAK surface-mount package is compatible with a Power-SO8 package but its external leads providesuperior thermal-cycling performance andmake LFPAK stand out from the competition.The major innovative point in the design ofLFPAK is NXP’s clip-bonding technology whichmakes bondwires redundant. The clip bondingresults in an advanced thermal performance,which makes LFPAK an ideal space-savingand cost-down replacement for DPAK. Theclip-bonding technology of LFPAK also resultsin low pin inductance which becomesbeneficial in high-frequency designs such asDC/DC converters or in applications where lowEMI is essential.

Devices highlighting the versatility of this broadrange of MOSFETs include the BUK9Y3R0-40E. With on-state resistance of only 3.0mΩat 40V, and the ability to handle currents ashigh as 100A, this part is ideal for motor-driveapplications such as those found in seatcontrol, window lifters, windscreen wipers andother body-control applications. At the sametime, the low thermal resistance of 0.77K/Wmakes this part ideal for power-hungryapplications such as pumps and fans.

NXP Semiconductors has 54 newTrench 6 MOSFETs in its LFPAK56AEC-Q101 qualified package, availablein voltage ratings of 40V, 60V, 80V and100V, with low on-state resistanceacross the range and current ratingsup to 100A.

APPLICATIONS• Motor, pump or fan controls• Engine management• DC/DC converters• LED lighting• Braking controls• Relay replacement

FEATURES• Automotive AEC-Q101 qualified to 175°C• Robust copper-clip package technology• 100% avalanche tested• Low thermal/package resistance and

minimal pin inductance • Power-SO8 compatible footprint• External leads



Microchip PIC24 ‘KM’ microcontrollersare the first to feature Microchip’s newMultiple-output Capture Compare PWM(MCCP) and Single-output CaptureCompare PWM (SCCP) modules, whichcombine timers, input-capture, output-compare and PWM functions in asingle timebase for optimal flexibility.

Automotive LFPAK56 MOSFETs deliverbenchmark performance from 40V to 100V

The BUK9Y59-60E has on-state resistance of59mΩ at 60V. It is ideal for engine-management systems such as direct fuelinjection, which typically requires multiple partsper system and therefore benefits from thedevice’s small size and excellent ruggedness.

The BUK9Y38-100E, with on-stateresistance of 38mΩ at 100V, is ideal for use inLED lighting due to its ultra-low packageinductance and small footprint.


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SML-LXL8047UVC TitanBrite ultra-violet LEDs deliver space savings with high power output, for applications requiring bright, intense radiation

2W surface-mount ultra-violet LEDs shrink lampdimensions by up to 90%

LUMEX The SML-LXL8047UVC surface-mountpackage has a PCB footprint of 16.5mm x11.7mm, enabling designers to achieve up to90%, 50% or 30% space savings comparedwith similar-performing lamps usingtechnologies such as CCFL, ultra-violetfilament lamp or standard through-hole LEDs.These exciting new UV LEDs are ideal for awide range of applications that require bright,intense light with low energy consumption andhave space limitations.

Lumex’s SML-LXL8047UVC TitanBrite™

2W 8mm round-top Ultra-Violet (UV)LEDs offer twice the power with thesame footprint as standard 1W LEDsin the same package. These 405nm-wavelength emitters are ideal formedical, security, water-treatment andfood-processing applications.

APPLICATIONS• Bacteriological research• Forensics• Aquariums• Food sterilisation• Currency verification

FEATURES• 8mm round-top dome SMT package• Available in standard 405nm wavelengths• Features a 100° viewing angle





Single chip adds gesture recognition to standardresistive touchscreens

Freescale's CRTouch IC allows existing designs to be upgraded with multi-touch functionality

FREESCALE

The IC supports all four- and five-wiretouchscreens and communicates over eitherUART or I2C communication protocols. Bycombining resistive touch with basic gesturerecognition and support for capacitiveelectrodes, the CRTOUCHB10VFM helps tosave space, cut software-developmentcosts and reduce time to market.

Gesture-detection capabilities includesingle-touch slide and two-touch rotate andpinch gestures, allowing user interfaces toprovide zoom-in/zoom-out andclockwise/counter-clockwise rotationfunctionality. The IC provides direction ofrotation and angular-measurementinformation, and also generates an event-

indicator output that can be connected to thehost controller.

In addition, the CRTOUCHB10VFMimplements power management with supportfor normal, run, sleep and shutdown modeshelping to minimise system powerconsumption. The device can be woken ondetection of resistive touch or capacitive-electrode touch, via the device’s dedicatedWake-up pin, or on detection of serialcommunications.

The Freescale CRTOUCHB10VFM is a5mm x 5mm IC that enables a resistivetouchscreen to provide up to two-touch gesture recognition, andsupports four independent capacitivetouch sensors that can be configured aspushbutton, rotary or slider controls.

APPLICATIONS• Control panels• Keyboard replacement• Point-of-sale terminals• Signature-capture devices• Kiosks

FEATURES• UART baud-rate auto detection• Configurable sensitivity up to 200

coordinate points per second• Operating-voltage range: 1.8V to 3.6V• 32-pin QFN package




Advanced 32-bit microcontrollerbeats 8-bits in every way

Innovative low-power digital optocouplersoperate 100 times faster

AVAGO TECHNOLOGIES

These devices gain their speed advantagethrough having separate connections for thephotodiode bias and the collector of theoutput transistor, which effectively reduces thebase-collector capacitance thereby allowingfaster operation. Theinternal architecture alsofeatures an insulating layerbetween the input LEDand the photodetector,which provides electricalinsulation between theinput and output.

Capable of operating at low input current of3mA with minimal LED degradation, the digitaloptocouplers allow peak forward input currentof 40mA and can tolerate a transient inputcurrent of up to 1A.

Common-mode transient immunity is15kV/µs minimum at VCM of 1500V over atemperature range of -40°C to 105°C.Current-Transfer Ratio (CTR) is140% typical for the ACPL-M50L or 130% typicalfor ACPL-054L/W50L/K54Lat a forward current of3mA. The devices aresuitable for use in anyTTL/CMOS, TTL/LSTTLor wide-bandwidthanalogue applications.

Avago Technologies’ ACPL-M50L,ACPL-054L, ACPL-W50L and ACPL-K54Ldigital optocouplers are up to 100times faster than conventional photo-transistor couplers, allowing supportfor data rates up to 1Mbaud at lowpower, low input current and with highcommon-mode transient immunity.

APPLICATIONS• Communications interfaces• Digital signal isolation• Microcontroller interfaces• Feedback elements in switched-mode

power supplies• Digital isolation for A/D, D/A conversion

FEATURES• Supply-voltage range: 2.7V to 24V• 1µs maximum propagation delay with

supply voltage of 5V• Open-collector output• TTL compatible• Built for high-voltage insulation:

worldwide safety approvals from IEC 60747-5-5, IEC/EN/DIN EN 60747-5-2,UL1577 and CSA



NXP SEMICONDUCTORS

The NXP Semiconductors LPC800, thefirst 32-bit microcontroller designedspecifically for today’s 8-bit users,provides faster operation, higher codedensity and lower power consumptionthan an 8-bit system can achieve.

APPLICATIONS• Domestic appliances• Medical devices• Industrial controls• Security equipment• Vending machines

FEATURES• Three UARTs, two SPIs, I2C interfaces• Analogue comparator• ROM drivers for I2C, USART, power

profiles, ISP and IAP• Multiple timers including the unique SCT

and a windowed watchdog timer• Up to 18 high-speed General-Purpose I/O

(GPIO) pins with digital glitch filter• Switch matrix for flexible I/O configuration

and pattern-matching engine for efficientinterrupt generation

• SO-20, TSSOP-20, TSSOP-16 and DIP-8package options




DETAILSON PAGE

28

Device Package Number ofChannels

Isolation voltage(VRMS/min)

Working Voltage(VPEAK)

ACPL-M50L SO-5 1 3750V 560VACPL-054L SO-8 2 3750V 560VACPL-W50L Stretched SO-6 1 5000V 1140VACPL-K54L Stretched SO-8 2 5000V 1140V

Based on the innovative ARM® Cortex™-M0+ processor running at up to30MHz, the LPC800 features up tothree UARTs, up to 16kbyte of Flash,and easy-to-use peripherals offeringdeterministic, real-timeperformance. It delivers industry-leading price/performance andenables designers to upgrade froman 8-bit architecture to theindustry’s leading ARM Cortex-Mplatform, gaining seamless accessto NXP’s ARM Cortex-M0, -M3and -M4 product families.

Experienced users of 8-bitmicrocontrollers will benefit from theLPC800 features and peripherals which are

simple to use, offering deterministic, real-timeperformance. Moving from an 8-bitenvironment to the LPC800 allows developersto take advantage of simplified serialperipherals including the advanced SPI, whichis capable of operating as a slave atfrequencies independent of the processorclock; I2C and UART that respond to simple APIcalls; power-management functions

accessible via a single API call; and aninnovative flexible switch matrixthat enables designers to assignon-chip peripherals to any pin.The LPC800 also has a peripheralbus that allows single-cycleaccess to GPIOs, and theadvanced State-ConfigurableTimer (SCT) capable ofreplicating virtually any timingor PWM function found onpopular 8-bit MCUs withoutloading the CPU.

In addition, customers canbenefit from NXP’s extensiveARM Cortex-M ecosystem,which includes the easy-to-

use mbed and LPCXpressodevelopment kits.



High-voltage LDMOS transistors are first devicesoptimised for broadband-basestation power amplifiers

NXP SEMICONDUCTORS

APPLICATIONS• RF power amplifiers for cellular

basestations• Multicarrier applications in the 729MHz to

960MHz frequency range• 3G solutions in multiple UMTS WCDMA

bands and other GSM/HSPA+ orCDMA/EVDO applications

FEATURES• Integrated ESD protection• High ruggedness and reliability• High power gain• High efficiency• Easy power control• High thermal stability




The BLF6H10L-160 and BLF6H10LS-160 are the first high-voltage LDMOStransistors for broadband-basestationapplications, designed to meetindustry demand for Power Amplifiers(PAs) that cover an ever-increasingfrequency range to accommodate thelarge number of standardsspanning the RF spectrum.

The devices are capable ofoperating from a 50V supply.They feature low outputcapacitance for widebandperformance in Dohertyapplications, and have lowmemory effects which enablesexcellent digital pre-distortioncapability. In addition, the devicesrequire no internal matching for usein broadband applications. Overall,they allow designers to take a new approachto PAs in the sub-1GHz segment.

In a two-way symmetrical Doherty amplifier theBLF6H10L-160 and BLF6H10LS-160 are ableto achieve 40% efficiency with 18.5dB of gainover the frequency range of 790MHz to960MHz. The resulting amplifier is able todeliver average output power of 47dBm (50W)and peak power of 55.4dBm (350W) with a 2-carrier WCDMA test signal and a 50V supply.

The BLF6H10L-160 is packaged in aSOT467C flanged ceramic package withmounting holes for bolt-down applications,while the BLF6H10LS-160 is offered in theSOT467B earless ceramic package.



HDMI level-shift IC simplifies system design,boosts signal integrity

The world's smallest ARM Powered microcontroller has a rich set of peripheralsand 32kbytes of Flash

Tiny 1.9mm x 2.0mm MCU packs 32-bit processingpower and rich features

FREESCALE

The KL02 also has 60% more general-purpose I/Os (GPIOs), despite havingsignificantly smaller dimensions. In totalthere are up to 28 controllable GPIOswith pin-interrupt support. Furtherbenefits for designers include richfeature integration, including 32Kbytesof programme Flash, a 12-bit ADC, ananalogue comparator with internal 6-bitDAC, PWMs and low-power timers, plusmultiple clocks. Security circuitry is alsointegrated, which prevents unauthorisedaccess to the microcontroller RAM andFlash contents.

In addition, the KL02 supports multiple low-power modes including Freescale’s new VeryLow-Power (VLPR) compute mode, whichreduces dynamic power by placing peripheralsin an asynchronous stop mode. The low-powerUART, SPI and I2C ports, ADC and low-powertimer are all able to operate with the device inlow-power mode without waking-up the core.

Using this device allows designers todramatically reduce board size withoutcompromising end-product performance,functionality and power consumption.

The Kinetis KL0 family is the entry point into

The Freescale Kinetis KL02 is theworld's smallest ARM Powered®

microcontroller. It features the ARM®

Cortex™-M0+ processor in an ultra-small 1.9mm x 2.0mm Wafer-LevelChip-Scale Package (WLCSP), whichoccupies 25% less PCB area than thenearest competing device.

APPLICATIONS• Low-power devices • Remote-sensing nodes • Portable consumer devices • Ingestible healthcare sensing

FEATURES• 48MHz ARM Cortex-M0+ core• 200% higher CoreMark/mA performance

than the closest 8/16-bit architecture• On-chip temperature sensor• 16-, 20-, 24- or 32-pin package options



the low-power Kinetis L microcontroller seriesbased on the ARM Cortex-M0+ processor,delivering 32-bit performance with class-leading code density, integrated Flash memory,precision analogue, connectivity and timers.

The IP4788CZ32 uses a combination of techniques to minimiseimpedance discontinuities

NXP SEMICONDUCTORS

The IP4788CZ32 incorporates TLC technologyon the high-speed Transition-MinimisedDifferential Signalling (TMDS) lines to simplifyrouting and help reduce impedancediscontinuities. In addition, all TMDS lines areprotected by an impedance-matched diodeconfiguration that minimises the impedancediscontinuities typically introduced byconventional shunt diodes. The diodesfeatured in the IP4788CZ32 combine the bestRF performance with ESD protection of atleast ±12kV, far exceeding the IEC 61000-4-2level-4 standard.

Using the IP4788CZ32 enables modernsystem-on-chip ICs to drive the control lines of

an HMDI port. Further features of this deviceare over-current/over-voltage protection thatguarantees HDMI-compliant 5V output voltagelevels with up to 6.5V inputs, Display-DataChannel (DDC) buffering and decoupling, hot-plug detection, backdrive protection, andConsumer-Electronic Control (CEC) bufferingand decoupling.

The DDC lines use a new buffering conceptwhich decouples the internal capacitive loadfrom the external capacitive load for use withstandard CMOS or Low-Voltage TTL (LVTTL)I/O cells down to 1.8V.

NXP Semiconductors’ IP4788CZ32 is aHDMI 1.3a- and 1.4-compliant levelshifter that uses a combination ofTransmission-Line Clamping (TLC)technology and impedance-matchedESD-protection diodes to eliminateimpedance discontinuities leading toimproved signal integrity.

APPLICATIONS• HDMI receive ports• Digital Visual Interface (DVI)• PC graphics cards• Game consoles• Blu-ray and DVD players• Set-top boxes

FEATURES• Optimised RF routing• DFN5050-32 5mm x 5mm x 0.85mm

package• Only one external capacitor required for

operation• No degradation of ESD protection after

repeated strikes



This buffering also redrives the DDC and CECsignals, allowing the use of longer HDMIcables with a higher capacitance. Hot-plugdetection simplifies use of the HDMItransmitter to control the hot-plug signal.


DETAILSON PAGE

28



Super-junction MOSFET enhancementsboost performance and reliability

Intelligent power modules have up to 60%smaller footprint than conventional ICs

Thermally efficient design provides opportunities for heatsink-freeoperation

INTERNATIONAL RECTIFIER

Available in an ultra-compact 12mm x 12mm x0.9mm PQFN package, the µIPM familycomprises a series of fully integrated 3-phasesurface-mount motor-control power circuits.

IR’s innovative packaging technology takesadvantage of PCB copper traces to dissipateheat from the module, providing cost savingsby allowing a smaller package design. In somedesigns this can eliminate the need for anexternal heatsink. The standard QFN surface-mount package simplifies assembly byeliminating through-hole second-pass

assembly and improving thermal performancecompared to traditional dual-in-line modules.

Further advantages of the µIPM familyinclude higher output-current capability andsystem efficiency. Combined with enhancedease of use, improved thermal performanceand overall system-size reduction, the µIPMfamily enables designers and systemintegrators to deliver more cost-effective andadvanced motor-control solutions.

International Rectifier’s latest family ofhighly integrated µIPM™ power modulesincorporate packaging innovations todeliver a new benchmark in devicesize, offering up to a 60% smallerfootprint than existing 3-phase motor-control power ICs.

APPLICATIONS• Refrigerator compressor drives • Heating pumps• Air-conditioning fans• Dishwasher circulation pumps• Automation systems

FEATURES• Integrated gate drivers and bootstrap• Shutdown pin• Under-Voltage Lockout (UVLO) for all

channels• Cross-conduction prevention logic• 1500VRMS isolation



IR’s µIPM product family offers a scalablepower solution with common pin-out andpackage size. Featuring the most rugged andefficient high-voltage FredFET MOSFETswitches specifically optimised for variable-frequency drives and IR’s most advanced high-voltage driver ICs, the µIPM product familyoffers DC-current ratings ranging from 2A to4A and voltages of 250V and 500V.


Fairchild’s charge-balance technology is effectivein minimising conduction loss, ensuringsuperior switching, allowing improved dV/dtperformance, and enhancing the ability to

withstand high avalanche energy. The devicesare 100% avalanche tested. The optimisedreverse-recovery performance of theFCH47N60F’s body diode enables designersto save external components thereby savingbill-of-materials costs and improving systemreliability.

Benefitting from enhanced super-junctiontechnology, the FCH47N60F SuperFET is wellsuited to switched-mode power applicationssuch as PFC controllers or power supplies forequipment such as enterprise servers, telecominfrastructure, flat-panel televisions, PCs andindustrial systems. The FCH47N60F is availablein a TO-247 through-hole power package.

The FCH47N60F N-channel SuperFET®

FRFET® MOSFET is part of FairchildSemiconductor’s first-generation high-voltage super-junction MOSFET family,and incorporates charge-balancetechnology to achieve outstanding lowon-state resistance and improvedgate-charge characteristics.

APPLICATIONS• AC/DC power supplies• Solar inverters

FEATURES• 600V rated voltage• 47A rated drain current• 58mΩ on-state resistance• 210nC gate charge• 420pF effective output capacitance



Vishay’s EMKP and HDMKP: page 5Rohm’s SiC MOSFETs: page 26PARTNERWORKING

Vishay’s MKP1848 & MKP385: page 4Intersil’s ISL6730A: page 7PARTNERWORKING

Part Number Voltage

DC OutputCurrent

Per MOSFET(at 25°C)

RMS MotorCurrent

(with heatsink)

MotorPower @

VO=150VRMS/75VRMS

Topology

IRSM836-024MA 250V 2A 550mA 60W/72W 3-phase open sourceIRSM836-044MA 250V 4A 850mA 95W/110W 3-phase open sourceIRSM836-025MA 500V 2A 440mA 93W/114W 3-phase open sourceIRSM836-035MB 500V 3A 510mA 108W/135W 3-phase common sourceIRSM836-035MA 500V 3A 510mA 100W/130W 3-phase open sourceIRSM836-045MA 500V 4A 750mA 145W/195W 3-phase open source



USB charger integrates OTG power supplyfor extra convenience and cost efficiency

Latest Trench MOSFETs target next-generationautomotive controls

NXP SEMICONDUCTORSAPPLICATIONS

• Relay drivers• High-speed line drivers• Low-side load switching• General switching circuits

FEATURES• Very fast switching• Trench MOSFET technology • Integrated ESD protection • Low threshold voltage • AEC-Q101 qualified



The FAN54015 maximises the convenience and flexibility of portable devices with USB


The FAN54015 integrates asynchronous buck regulatorfor battery charging, andsupports conditioning,constant-current andconstant-voltage chargemodes. The regulatoroperates at high efficiencyover a wide range ofbattery voltage and chargestates, so minimising thetime to charge the battery.

Charging parameters andoperating modes areprogrammable through anI2C interface. Charge statusis reported to the hostthrough the I2C port, andthe host can change theinput current limit to ensureUSB compliance andminimise charging time.

Charge termination is determined according toa programmable minimum current level. Asafety timer with reset control provides asafety backup.

Built-in system-management and safetyfunctions include automatic restart of thecharge cycle when the battery voltage fallsbelow an internal threshold, a high-impedancemode to prevent draining of the battery if theinput source is removed, and automaticreduction of the charge current if the dietemperature reaches 120°C.

The boost regulator for powering USB OTGperipherals supplies up to 500mA at 5V from

The Fairchild SemiconductorFAN54015 is a combined batterycharger and boost regulator for use inportable devices, capable of charginga single-cell Li-ion battery from a USBsource or powering USB OTGperipherals from the battery.

APPLICATIONS• Digital cameras• Gaming devices• Portable test equipment• Portable media players• PDAs• Tablets

FEATURES• 1.8V regulated output from VBUS for

auxiliary circuits• Small footprint with 1µH external inductor• Dynamic input-voltage control• 1.96mm x 1.87mm WLCSP package



battery voltage between 3.0V and 4.5V. Theboost regulator has a soft-start function, whichlimits inrush current from the battery, and usesthe same external components as the charger.Both the charger and boost-regulator circuitsswitch at 3MHz to minimise the size of theseexternal devices.

The NXP SemiconductorsBSS138AKAR is a new 60V N-channelsmall-signal MOSFET in a cost-efficient and small SOT23 Surface-Mounted Device (SMD) plasticpackage, built using the latestTrench technology for optimumefficiency, switchingperformance and ruggedness.

The BSS138AKAR contains a 60V N-channel small-signal MOSFET ratedfor continuous drain current of 200mA,as well as integrated 2kV ESD protection.

The latest Trench technology allows this deviceto achieve low on-state resistance of 4.5Ω at10V gate-source voltage and 25°C while alsohaving low gate-drain charge of 0.1nC and lowdrain leakage current of 1µA.

NXP has achieved AEC-Q101 qualificationfor the BSS138AKAR, allowing the device to

fulfil a wide range ofswitching and load-control applicationsthroughout areassuch as bodyelectronics,infotainment,driver assistanceand engine-managementsystems.


The ‘Smart Grid’ is being developed to optimise theproduction, distribution and usage of energy. Smart metersconnect the household to this smart grid. This Design Notediscusses the issues with driving the service-disconnectswitch in the smart meter.

The service-disconnect switch is a separate switch that can be activatedby the utility company. Traditional electromechanical electricity meters donot contain such a switch, but smart electricity meters generallyintegrate a service-disconnect switch into the meter.

For energy-saving reasons the switch is often implemented using alatching relay. In this type of relay, no energy is needed to hold the relayin position. Energy is only used when changing the state of the switchfrom the ON to OFF position and vice versa.

There are a number of benefits of having an electronically controlledswitch. First, a household can be disconnected from the grid duringperiods of no occupancy. This action removes energy-wasting loadsfrom the grid and removes a number of safety risks, for example the riskof a long-term overload causing a fire.

Second, the household can be disconnected from the grid duringmaintenance or in the case of an emergency, improving safety.

Finally, the ability to control the power switch helps the utility tomanage the overall load, which improves grid stability. In the case of aplanned power cut the utility now does not need to switch off the powerto the distribution transformers supplying a number of households. Thisallows the voltage on the grid to be maintained. The power switches of agroup of households are then switched off in sequence to start thepower cut, then switched on in sequence at the end of the plannedpower cut. The same approach is used for load management of solarinverters connected to the grid. If too much power is generated, anumber of the inverters can be selectively switched off.

The relay-disconnect driver circuit is usually implemented as a discretesolution. The current levels needed to drive the relay are up to 1.2Awhich is too much for the smart-meter microcontroller to handle. Therelay design is tested for reliable switching of up to 5000 cycles duringdevelopment, even though the expected number of switching cyclesover the 15-year meter lifetime may be less than 200.

Figure 1 shows the different types of relay in use. The latched dual-coilrelay uses the lowest energy. The single-coil relay and the motor-drivenswitch are also in use.

Typical parameters of service-disconnect switch • Input-voltage range: 12V to 40V• Current levels: up to 1.2A• Pulse-width range: 20ms to 150ms• Retry-interval range: 300ms to 3s

Solutions using low-side drivers such as the FAN3227 dual 2A driversare in use today as shown in Figure 2. The disadvantages of thisapproach are that it is useful only for 12A-rated relays, manycomponents are used for noise filtering and that timing is set by RCcomponents which have a wide tolerance.

The timing pulses could in principle be set by the smart-metermicrocontroller. However, there is generally a long distance between themicrocontroller and the relay drive circuit. The signals would be distortedand could be influenced from outside in an attempt to tamper with themeter. So the timing pulse controls are set in a circuit close to the relay.

The next stage is to have a dedicated driver which combines thefunction of the driver and the timing circuits. Figure 3 shows thisapproach using the FAN3240 series drivers.

The internal drivers are optimised for the relay drive circuit and are ratedup to 60V. The advantages of using such an integrated device, comparedwith traditional approaches, include increased noise immunity of thedisconnect-driver circuit, as well as greater timing accuracy and reducedcomponent count by eliminating any need for external capacitors.


Driving the disconnect relay insmart meters

Fig. 1: Relays driving a smart-meter disconnect switch

Fig. 2: Relay drive circuit using standard low-side drivers

Fig. 3: Integrated relay drive circuit

D E S I G N N O T E

15E M A I L I N F O @ M Y- F T M . C O M F O R S A M P L E S A N D D ATA S H E E T S

Smart Metering, Energy Harvesting and SolarAs energy becomes increasingly precious, extra care is neededto manage electricity from the grid and tap into ambientsources where possible. The smart-meter revolution is still in itsearly stages, and with a total of around 1.5 billion metersinstalled worldwide, converting fully is amassive task. The key drivers forconversion differ from region to region,and include saving costs, reducingenvironmental impact and preventingenergy theft such as meter tampering orfraudulent reading. Electronic smartmeters are highly resistant to directtampering and can eliminate any need forhuman meter readers.

This month’s Application Spotlightreflects the intense activity in the drive todeliver commercially viable smart metersand energy-harvesting systems.Minimising power consumption and cost,while ensuring robust security, is criticalfor encouraging widespread adoption of smart meters.Manufacturers such as NXP Semiconductors and Freescale areanswering the challenges with new devices such as the

Freescale KM series MCUs and associated reference designs, onpage 17, and NXP Semiconductors’ JN5168, on page 19.

Successful smart meters will also require improvements incomponents such as relays and drivers for load control. TE

Connectivity’s ultra-rugged EW80 series relaysare this month’s star product, on page 2.Fairchild Semiconductor’s FAN3240integrated relay driver is featured on page 18,and also in the Design Note on page 15,which examines the control of the disconnectrelay; an important feature that distinguishessmart meters from conventional types.

We also feature the latest from leaders inenergy-harvesting solutions, such asEnOcean’s Dolphin portfolio and developmentplatform, on page 23, the latest IXYS IXOLAR™

modules, on page 21, and the Future EnergySolutions energy-harvesting platform, onpage 16. The discussion would not becomplete without examining efficient new

power-conversion devices, such as ON Semiconductor’s latest-generation IGBTs, on page 25, and Rohm Semiconductor’sadvanced SiC MOSFETs and modules, on page 26.

A P P L I C AT I O N S P O T L I G H T

16 F R E E D E V E L O P M E N T K I T S AT W WW . M Y- B O A R D C L U B . C O M

Energy-harvesting platform allows low-risk evaluationof self-powered designs

Future Electronics’ energy-harvesting platform

FUTURE ELECTRONICS

The Future Electronics Energy-Harvesting Platform (EHP), withuser-friendly analysis software, enablesdesigners to evaluate whether harvestedenergy is a viable power source fortheir application, and helps to overcomethe practical difficulties and risks inimplementing an off-grid solution.

The platform consists of five modulesconnected to a measurement and controlmotherboard. The modules comprise a Sharpsolar-panel module which supplies asupercapacitor energy-storage module via apower-conversion module. The supercapacitorssupply power to an application module, whichmay be populated with a device such as alow-power RF transmitter, via a second power-conversion module.

Each module can easily be detached andreplaced by a different module. For instance,designers may experiment with a differentenergy source by replacing the solar panelmodule with a vibration power-harvestermodule. Similarly, the supercapacitor modulemay be replaced by a battery pack.

APPLICATIONS• Wireless sensors• Self-powered switches• Smart-building devices• Security systems

FEATURES• GUI-controlled relays for switching

modules independently• Allows analysis of supercapacitor charge

time• Allows assessment of application run-time

in no-light conditions• Designed and manufactured by Future

Energy Solutions• Utilises low-power component technology

from leading suppliers



The control motherboard enables the user totrack and record power capture and usagedata in the intended application and location.This allows designers to see, for instance, howmuch solar energy can be captured at anygiven site, and assess the application module'sparameters such as the average or peakpower usage.

The PC software tool helps users to monitorthe flow of energy in real-time, all the way fromcapture by a device such as a solar panel,through conversion and storage, to its use inan application. This means it is easier thanever before for system designers to discoverthrough real-world testing whether theirapplication can run reliably in various usecases using energy from sources such asambient light, heat, vibrations or radio waves.



S M A R T M E T E R I N G , E N E R G Y H A R V E S T I N G A N D S O L A R

Designing with the KM series for various geographical markets is easier using Freescale's smart-meter reference designs

FREESCALE

Power-meter reference designsrealise benefits of optimised MCUs

To help speed smart-meter design forvarious territories and markets, usingthe meter-specific features of KinetisKM series microcontrollers, Freescalehas compiled reference designs forsingle-phase, two-phase and low-costsingle-phase meters.

The single-phase meterreference design is used formeasurement andregistration of active andreactive energy in single-phase two-wire networks fordirect connection. It is pre-certified according toEuropean EN50470-1,EN50470-3, class B and C,as well as to IEC 62053-21and IEC 62052-11international standards forelectronic meters of active-energy classes 2 and 1.

APPLICATIONS• Utility power meters for use across

North America, Europe and Asia

FEATURES• Specified active/reactive measurement

accuracy• Support for tamper detection• LED pulse outputs• Low-power modes and battery back-up



The two-phase reference design is used formeasurement and registration of active andreactive energy in single-phase three-wirenetworks for direct connection. It is pre-certified according to ANSI C12.20, class 0.5.The integrated buck converter enables efficientoperation of the meter electronics andprovides enough power for optional modulessuch as non-volatile memories for data loggingand firmware storage. Other features includeinertial sensors for tamper detection, an opticalinfrared readout port for a hand-held terminalreader with ANSI C12.18 protocol support,

and an AMR expansion header for an RF-communication module

Finally, the low-cost single-phase referencedesign calculates active and reactive energy inboth phase and neutral channels. It includes ashunt resistor used as a transducer for phase-current sensing and a current transformer forneutral-current sensing. Since the design canmeasure both lines, it is also suitable forneutral-disconnect applications. There is alsoprovision for generating power in the absenceof a neutral connection, and a back-up batteryto allow meter reading or tamper detection inthe absence of mains power.

Dedicated metering MCUs satisfymajor regional specifications

The KM series meets cost, power and functionality requirements for widespreadsmart-meter deployments

FREESCALE

The Kinetis KM series is based onthe ARM® Cortex™-M0+ coreoperating up to 50MHz, and with64kbyte or 128kbyte Flash. Built-inutility-class security includes activeand passive tamper detection withtime stamping, a memory-protection unit, peripheralprotection, and an approvedRandom-Number Generator (RNG)for Welmec-compliant meters.

Strong metering credentials arealso evident in the Analogue FrontEnd (AFE), which comprises a 24-bit

APPLICATIONS• Utility metering• Sub-metering

FEATURES• Optional 8x17 or 8x38 segment LCD driver• 32kHz and 4kHz internal trimmable clock

references• Four UARTs, two SPI and two I2C ports• Voltage range:

• 1.71V to 3.6V (without AFE)• 2.7V to 3.6V (with AFE)


sigma-delta metering ADC with 94dB Signal-to-Noise Ratio (SNR), a Programmable-GainAmplifier (PGA), a high-precision internalvoltage reference, a 12-channel 16-bit SARADC, and a dedicated phase-locked loop forclock generation. A separate frequency-lockedloop is provided to manage core, system andFlash clocks.

In addition, pre-certified metrology softwareis provided, including time-based or filter-based algorithms and Fast Fourier transform.

Moreover, the devices are robust and stable toensure faultless long-term accuracy anddurability. They have high ESD immunity, andkey peripherals such as the PGA and precisionvoltage reference of the AFE are designed forlow temperature drift. There is also a precisionreal-time clock which is accurate to +5ppmover the specified temperature range of -40°Cto 85°C.

Three reference designs are also available,as shown below, supporting designs for use inEMEA, Asia and North America or Japan.


Freescale’s Kinetis KM series low-costmicrocontrollers are optimised forutility-meter applications, with built-insmart-metering peripherals and specialfeatures to meet specific regionalneeds such as neutral disconnect orsplit phase for meters targeting North America and Japan.

REFERENCEDESIGNS AT my-boardclub.com/ftm



M-Bus slave transceiver cuts componentcount and quiescent current

The FAN3240/3241 enable utilities to operate a smarter grid


Integrated dual-coil relay drivers simplifysmart-meter design

The Fairchild Semiconductor FAN3240and FAN3241 are dual-output high-current relay drivers that help to simplifydesign, reduce component count, andmaximise the reliability of smartmeters and solar-inverter controllers.

The drivers combine multiple functions neededto control the dual-coil polarised latching relaysused for connecting and disconnecting powerin the meter or inverter. Integrated functionsinclude input-signal qualification for the controlsignals, protection against simultaneousactivation of the two relay coils, and limiting ofthe maximum drive-pulse duration. Numerousbasic functions are also provided, such asmonitoring the relay bias voltage for sufficientvoltage level, thermal protection for the IC, anda Driver-enable input pin.

The FAN3240 and FAN3241 differ in termsof their preset input-signal qualification, tQUAL,

APPLICATIONS• Smart meters• Energy generation and distribution

equipment• Smart-building systems• Industrial dual-coil relay drivers

FEATURES• 10V to 60V operation for unregulated

supply line• Strong DC current to break through

welded contacts• Integrated linear regulator• TTL input threshold• Ambient operating-temperature range:

-40°C to 105°C



and maximum drive-pulse duration times, tMAX.The FAN3240 has tQUAL of 15ms and tMAX of150ms, while the FAN3241 has tQUAL of 1msand tMAX of 30ms. In addition, choosing eitherFAN3240 or FAN3241 also selects the output-pulse generation method.

The FAN3240 output-pulse duration is thesame as that of the input pulse, up to themaximum of 150ms (tOUT = tIN). In theFAN3241, the output-pulse duration is always30ms (tOUT = tMAX).

The low-power NCN5150 solves M-Bus communication challenges in a single chip.

ON SEMICONDUCTOR

APPLICATIONS• Multi-energy utility meters:

• Water• Gas• Electricity• Heating systems

FEATURES• Integrated 3.3V LDO regulator• Extended power budget for external

circuits• Fast start-up without external transistor• Power-fail function• Adjustable I/O levels



As an advanced mixed-signal device, theNCN5150 offers high robustness in addition toits high feature integration and low quiescentcurrent, and is capable of operating over thejunction-temperature range of -40°C to 125°C.ON Semiconductor’s NCN5150 single-

chip M-Bus slave transceiver helps tosimplify multi-energy utility meters byminimising external components,drawing very low quiescent currentand operating from bus voltages downto 9.2V.

The NCN5150 provides all the functionsneeded to meet the physical-layerrequirements for M-Bus, andsupports half-duplexcommunications up to themaximum specified datarate of 38400 baud betweenM-Bus sensors and thehost-system microcontroller.It translates the bus-voltagemodulation to UART voltagelevels, and in the otherdirection translates UARTvoltage levels to bus-currentmodulation. The bus

connection is fully polarity independent.The NCN5150 can be programmed to

deliver a fixed current to the M-Bus forpowering slave devices. This current can beprogrammed in increments of 1.5mA, calledunit loads, according to the M-Bus standard.Two NCN5150 variants are available, capableof delivering bus current of up to two unitloads or six unit loads depending on packagestyle. Devices in the SOIC-16 package stylecan be programmed to supply up to two unitloads, while variants in the QFN-20 packagecan provide up to six unit loads. Alternatively,the NCN5150 allows slave devices to bepowered from a separate power supply.

APPLICATIONS• Smart lighting• Home automation • Smart-energy applications• Self-powered sensors and actuators• Internet of Things devices• RF4CE remote controls • Toys and gaming peripherals

FEATURES• 128-bit AES security processor• Time of Flight engine for ranging• Single-chip solution, low external-

component cost• 2.0V to 3.6V battery operation• Up to 20 digital I/Os




VISHAY

Aluminium capacitors deliver extended lifetimein pulsed-power applications

APPLICATIONS• Inverters for solar-power generators• Industrial motor controls• General power supplies

FEATURES• Capacitance range: 220µF to 560µF• Polarised dielectric• Low Equivalent Series Resistance (ESR)• High ripple-current capability



Vishay also offers two closely related series ofcapacitors: the 159 PUL-SI series offers alower voltage rating than the 193 PUR-SISolar range, and the 096 PLL-4TSI seriescomprises 4-terminal devices suitable foroperation up to 85°C.

Ultra low-power wireless microcontrolleroperates from single coin cell

NXP SEMICONDUCTORS

The NXP Semiconductors JN5168wireless microcontroller supportsmajor networking protocols forsmart-energy, home-automation, remote-control and wireless-sensing applications,and is featured forultra-low powerconsumptionenabling long-lasting operationdirectly from a coin cell.

The JN5168 is supplied withJenNet-IP™, ZigBee® Smart Energy,ZigBee Light Link, RF4CE and IEEE802.15.4 networking stacks, and featuresan enhanced 32-bit RISC processor withvariable-width instructions for high codingefficiency and a multi-stage pipeline enablinghigh instruction throughput. On-chip memory

resources comprise 256kbyte Flash, 32kbyteRAM and 4kbyte EEPROM. The processor

has multiple power-saving features,including programmable clock speeds

and a 0.6µA sleep-timer mode, inaddition to best-in-class active

current of 15mA, giving theability to operate from a small

battery such as a coin cell.In addition to theprocessor and

2.4GHz IEEE802.15.4transceiver, the

JN5168 features acomprehensive mix of

analogue and digitalperipherals, such as I²C

port, SPI ports which canoperate as either master or

slave, a 4-channel ADC, andbattery and temperature sensors.

Designers can also arrange various I/Osand user controls, as the device can

support a large switch matrix of up to 100elements, or alternatively a 20-key capacitivetouch pad.


DETAILSON PAGE

28


Vishay 193 PUR-SI Solar capacitorsare ideally suited for smoothing,filtering, and energy storage in pulsed-power applications, includingphotovoltaic power-conditioningcircuits as well as a range ofindustrial power-conversionand control applications.

Packaged as snap-in poweraluminium capacitors, the 193 PUR-SISolar series has a rated voltage of 500Vat 50°C and a category voltage of 450Vat 105°C. They are particularly well suitedto solar-power applications, where the highestvoltage is present under no-load conditions.The devices offer a long useful life and ratedripple current up to 2.52A at 105°C and 100Hz.

Featuring a cylindrical case with a pressure-relief valve, and insulated with a blue sleeve,the capacitors are available in five case sizesranging from 35mm x 30mm to 35mm x 60mm.

At 500V, the devices feature a maximumoperating temperature to 50°C and useful lifeof 5,000 hours under test conditions with noripple current applied. At 450V, the maximumtemperature can be extended to 105°C andthe useful life is 6,000 hours.



Compact, encapsulated power-supply modulestarget tough environments

Freescale's Home-Energy Gateway brings the true smart grid closer to reality

FREESCALE

Home-energy gateway delivers smart-grid advantages forutilities and consumers

The Freescale Home-Energy Gateway(HEG) reference platform utilises theARM®-based i.MX28 applicationsprocessor and ZigBee® MC13224VPlatform in Package, and helpsdesigners to implement an intelligentinterface between the utility-controlledsmart grid and the consumer.

Providing a vital enabler for thesmart grid, the HEG allows everypoint of the smart home to beconnected and controlled from acentral location, to help enhancepower efficiency and energyoptimisation. It provides a user-friendly interface to encourageinteraction and long-term use.

Utility companies can use thisdesign to implement granularreal-time demand control, deliveralerts such as tariff changes orpeak-time notifications, anddesign consumer profiles for

APPLICATIONS• Smart-home controllers• Advanced utility meters

FEATURES• Pre-validated Wi-Fi®, ZigBee® and Ethernet

connectivity• Customisable Board-Support Package (BSP)• Complete ecosystem of Linux® and

Windows® Embedded Compact 7operating systems available

• Part of the Freescale product-longevityprogramme



accurate energy-reduction automation. Robustsecurity, safety and privacy are assuredthrough dedicated hardware support forAES128-based authenticated boot-up,signed/authenticated firmware and dedicatedhardware acceleration for AES, 3DES, SHA,MD5 encryption/decryption and hashalgorithms, and secure off-chip storage. Inaddition, utilities can take advantage of thedesign’s sophisticated remote-managementcapabilities, such as software and firmwarelifecycle management, provisioning, remoteconfiguration and remote monitoring.

Consumers can also benefit from the featuresof this reference design, which include supportfor power configuration, control managementand energy-production checks enablingoptimum management of any installed solarpanels or wind turbines.

CUI INC.

APPLICATIONS• Communication infrastructure• Industrial controls• Smart meters• Lighting controllers• Medical devices

FEATURES• No-load power consumption as low as

100mW• Operating temperature range:

-25°C to 70°C• 3kV standard isolation voltage• Low ripple and noise• UL/cUL and CE certifications



VSK series encapsulated AC/DCmodules from CUI Inc., are available ina number of board-mount and chassis-mount variants that provide aconvenient, compact power solutionfor equipment used inharsh environments.

A total of 15modules areavailablespanning awide power rangefrom 1W to 25W,including two specialvariants with extended input-voltage range, aswell as 5W and 10W models that are fullycertified to EN 60601 for use in medicaldevices.

The 1W VSK-S1 and 2W VSK-S2 board-mount modules have an input-voltage range of85V AC to 305V AC to satisfy applications

such as lighting controllers, sensing andsmart-building systems that, in North America,typically run from a 277V AC supply.

Other models in the VSK series have auniversal mains input allowing operation from85V AC to 264V AC. These include eightboard-mount modules from 3W to 25W, andfive chassis-mount modules from 5W to 25W.The VSKM-S5 and VSKM-S10 5W and 10Wboard-mount modules are certified for medical

applications and meet therequirements for 4kV AC

isolation and 100µAleakage current

specified in EN60601. TheVSK-T series

chassis-mountmodules feature

terminal-blockconnections allowing

simple mounting and wiring.Potted and packaged in an encapsulated

case for protection against environmentalhazards, all the VSK series modules alsoinclude built-in electrical protection to preventdamage due to short-circuit, over-voltage orover-temperature conditions.

LOAN BOARDSAVAILABLE AT my-boardclub.com/ftm



Miniature solar panels deliver superiorperformance in versatile form factors

IXOLAR SolarBIT cells and SolarMD modules allow a wide range of applications to be enhanced byadding energy-harvesting capability

IXYS

IXYS IXOLAR™ SolarBIT cells andSolarMD modules are manufacturedusing high-quality monocrystallinesilicon, allowing superior typicalefficiency of 22%, a wider spectral-sensitivity range, consistentperformance over time, higher reliabilityand longer operational life comparedto amorphous or polycrystalline types.

SolarBITs are available in single-cell, 4-cell or8-cell configurations, and are surface-mountable featuring epoxy-coatedencapsulation. In operation, their highconversion efficiency allows small-sized panelsto sustain long battery run times.

APPLICATIONS• Battery chargers for portable devices• Power backup for wireless sensors• Energy-harvesting applications• Inductive-loop vehicle-detection systems

FEATURES• Superior energy-conversion efficiency• Broad spectral response• Extended industrial temperature range• Consistent performance over time• High reliability and long life



The design allows multiple cells to beconnected easily in series or parallel to meetthe power requirements of variousapplications.

SolarMD modules combine multiple die in asingle package, encapsulated withpolycarbonate film. Themodules can withstandoperating temperaturesup to 100°C, while high-quality constructionensures no loss of poweroutput or degradation ofspectral-frequencyresponse over time. Theyare compatible withvarious assemblyprocesses, including theuse of oven-cure silverpaste or conventionalhand-soldering.

Part Number Open-oircuitVoltage

Short-circuitCurrent ISC V

Max. OutputPower

Max. OutputVoltage VMAX V

Max. OutputCurrent Cell Area

SolarBIT Cells

KXOB22-12X1 0.63V 50.00mA 22.30mW 0.50V 44.60mA 120mm2



SolarMD Modules

SLMD121H04L 2.52V 50.00mA 89.20mW 2.00V 44.60mA 120mm2












Latest-generation IGBTs boost efficiencyand hard-switching performance

The Fairchild SemiconductorFGH25N120FTDS and FGL35N120FTDare 1200V IGBTs fabricated usingadvanced field-stop trench technologyto deliver the optimum performancefor hard-switching applications suchas solar inverters, UninterruptiblePower Supplies (UPS), weldingequipment and power-factor controllers.

FEATURES• Operating junction-temperature range:

-55°C to 150°C

• FGH25N120FTDS:• TO-247 package • 6.0V typical gate-emitter threshold

• FGL35N120FTD:• TO-264 package• 6.2V typical gate-emitter threshold



The FGH25N120FTDS is rated for maximumcollector current of 25A at 100°C, while theFGL35N120FTD is rated to 35A. Both devicescan withstand large pulsed currents, up tothree-times greater than the rated current.

Further advantages of Fairchild’s field-stoptrench devices include high input impedance,which helps to simplify gate-drive circuitry, andlow saturation voltage which minimisesconduction losses thereby helping to ensurehigh system energy efficiency. TheFGH25N120FTDS has saturation voltage of1.60V at the rated current, while saturationvoltage for the FGL35N120FTD is 1.68V at 35A.

All SolarBITs and SolarMD modules can beused under most lighting conditions, includingindoors or outdoors and in low-lightconditions. Both series are available in avariety of power ratings and form factors.



Next-generation power-line carrier modemde-risks smart-energy design

The NCN49597 provides extra features for next-generation smart-meter designs

ON SEMICONDUCTOR

ON Semiconductor’s latest Power-LineCarrier (PLC) modem system on chip,the NCN49597, adds new features thatminimise risk and technical complexitywhen developing smart-energyproducts such as utility meters, smartplugs and lighting controls.

Retaining pin-to-pin compatibility with theprevious-generation AMIS49587, the new ICadds features such as field re-programmability,smart synchronisation and automatic halfbaud-rate detection. These ensure robustcommunications and simplify implementationand use. In addition, compatibility with 50Hz or60Hz AC-grid standards, as well as DC powerlines enhances flexibility for designers.

The NCN49597 combines a low-power 32-bit ARM® Cortex™-M0 processor with ahigh-precision analogue front-end, andfeatures 10 configurable GPIOs allowing

APPLICATIONS• Automated meter reading• Building automation• Solar-energy system control• Street-light control• Utility-safety alarms

FEATURES• Dual 4800-baud S-FSK channels• Half-duplex power-line communication• Selectable UART/full-duplex UART to

application microcontroller• SCI port to application microcontroller• 3.3V operating voltage



connection to peripherals such as LCDs andmetering ICs. These built-in features alleviatethe need for external microcontrollers inapplications such as smart plugs.

The NCN49597 supports programmablecarrier frequencies up to the CENELEC Dband, enabling use in a wider variety ofapplications including street lighting and homeautomation.

It complies with CENELEC EN 50065-1 andexecutes by default the IEC 61334-5−1 PHYand MAC protocols for e-metering.

The SBR12U45LH Schottky barrier rectifier is ultra slim for use in on-module applications

DIODES INCORPORATED

Ultra-thin bypass diodes boost PV-panel reliabilityand energy efficiency

By offering an extremely low profile,the SBR12U45LH Schottky barrierrectifier from Diodes Incorporatedenables solar-power generators tobecome more compact and reliable byeliminating the need for separatejunction boxes connectingindividual solar panels.

The SBR12U45LH is packagedas a PowerDI®-5SP device andhas maximum height of only0.75mm. In its critical role as ahighly efficient PV-module bypassdiode, this ultra-low profile allowsdirect integration in the solarpanel effectively removing theneed for separate junction boxes.Centrally mounted leads on eachside of the package allowmounting within recesses in thepanel, so adding only 0.21mm tosolar-panel height.

APPLICATIONS• PV-module bypass diode

FEATURES• Tailored for next-generation PV-module

applications• Meets thermal test requirement of Solar

Safety Standard IEC 61730-2• 45V/12A voltage/current ratings• 75mA max. leakage current @ 45V reverse

voltage and Tj=125°C• Operating-temperature range in DC

forward mode: -65°C to 200°C



The lead length of 9mm allows easy solder-barmounting thereby helping save assembly costs.

By offering the industry’s lowest forwardvoltage drop for a 45V rectifier, at only 0.38V at12A and 125°C, the SBR12U45LH also helpsimprove system safety and reliability by reducingpower dissipation resulting in lower operatingtemperatures. The low forward voltage alsoreduces power losses, which contributes tomaximising system energy efficiency.

The devices can withstand temperatures up to200°C, which ensures high thermal reliabilityand excellent high-temperature stability.



EnOcean's EDK 350 development kit allows engineers to explore thefull capabilities of the Dolphin platform

ENOCEAN

EnOcean offers a complete energy-harvesting product set for fastintegration and configuration ofbatteryless wireless technology for usein building and industrial applicationsas well as in further application fieldssuch as smart home, smart metering,logistics or transport.

The EDK 350 developer kit’s central element isa universal programmer board. In combinationwith EnOcean’s DolphinStudio PC software,the board is used to configure and programmeDolphin-based modules. The kit covers theentire product range, from energy-harvestingwireless modules to ready-made productsolutions: ECO 200, PTM 2xy, PTM 330, STM300, STM 330, TCM 320, USB 300,DolphinStudio and DolphinAPI.

By developing with EnOcean modules,engineers can take advantage of a pre-definedfeature set for energy management, dataacquisition, data processing and wireless datatransmission. User-specific applications can beimplemented based on EnOcean’s purpose-

APPLICATIONS• Development of devices for smart-building

applications:• Self-powered sensors and switches• Switching actuators• Gateways• Repeaters

FEATURES• Developer's kit for the entire EnOcean

Dolphin platform• Support for a variety of energy harvesting

technologies: switch, solar and thermalconversion

• Simple development of custom hardwareand firmware

• Sample applications for wireless switchesand sensors: temperature, brightness,charge voltage

• PC software for configuring and recordingwireless telegrams

• Sample applications, source code andtechnical support

• Extensive Application ProgrammingInterface (API) for fast and simpleprogramming of custom applications



designed application programming interface,DolphinAPI. The kit comes ready to use withEnOcean’s security protocol and supports thestandard ISO/IEC 14543-3-10 energy-harvesting radio-communications protocol.

To start working with the kit developers candownload the EnOcean DolphinStudioconfiguration programme, and use theDolphinView PC software for visualising andmapping the wireless protocol. The applicationprofiles, EnOcean Equipment Profiles or EEP,can also be interpreted and sent by using the kit.

High-quality battery range boosts lifetime andsafety of devices for smart buildings

VARTA MICROBATTERY

APPLICATIONS• Gas meters• Water meters• Heat meters• Heat-cost allocators • Integrators• Communication modules

FEATURES• Low self-discharge• Superior shelf-life• Broad product range• Standard form factors• High quality and safety



With a metallic-lithium anode and a cathodecontaining thionyl chloride (SOCl2), Li-SOCI2cells have a nominal voltage of 3.6V and areavailable in case styles from 1/2AA to Dspanning the capacity range from 230mAh to19000mAh. The Li-MnO2 batteries provide avoltage of 3.0V and are available in standardsizes from CR-1216 with 27mAh capacity to

AA with 2000mAh.Offering high energy

density and a low self-discharge rate of less than1% per year at roomtemperature, VARTAbatteries in industry-standard form factorsdeliver superior shelf-lifeand extended operationallifetimes of up to 15 years.

All cells are ULrecognised, which

provides a highassurance of safetythroughout the life ofthe application. Inaddition, advancedglass-ceramic laser-

sealing technology

ensures outstanding durability and safety. Thebatteries are highly resistant to corrosiveenvironments, and can withstand temperaturesfrom -55°C to 85°C.

High-quality batteries from VARTAMicrobattery GmbH, including Lithium-manganese dioxide (Li-MnO2) andLithium-thionyl chloride (Li-SOCI2)batteries, are ideal for smart-buildingapplications such asmeters, sensorsand actuators.

Developer kit cuts time to market for energy-harvesting wireless sensor solutions




High-output optocouplers support reliable, high-speed energy-switching applications

The KL34 and KL36 series combine extra power-saving innovations with the ultra low-power ARM Cortex-M0 core

FREESCALE

Ultra low-power microcontrollers targetprecision metering and measurement

Freescale KL34 and KL36 seriesmicrocontrollers featuring the ultralow-power ARM® Cortex™-M0+ coretarget metering and measuringapplications, combining highlyaccurate mixed-signal features withplentiful timing and control resourcesand user-interface support.

The processor has multiple, flexible low-powermodes including a new compute-clocking option which reducesdynamic power by placingperipherals in an asynchronousstop mode.

The integrated analogueperipherals ensure optimummeasurement accuracy with highnoise immunity, and include one12-bit (KL34) or 12-bit and 16-bit(KL36) ADCs with configurableresolution, sample time andconversion speed. Selectablesingle-ended or differential output

APPLICATIONS• Smart meters• Flow meters• Electronic scales• Thermostats

FEATURES• Bit-manipulation engine• Single-cycle fast I/O access port• Two I2C and SPI ports with DMA support• One LPUART and two UARTs with DMA

support• Up to 256kbyte Flash with 64byte Flash

cache



modes allow designers to maximise noiserejection where extra precision is required. Alsointegrated on-chip are a high-speed comparatorwith internal 6-bit DAC, a 12-bit DAC withDMA support, and a temperature sensor.

For timing and control, the microcontrollersfeature one 6-channel and two 2-channel 16-bit low-power timer/PWM modules with DMAsupport, a 2-channel 32-bit periodic interrupttimer that can be used as a trigger source forADC conversion, a low-power timer capable ofoperating in power-saving modes, and a real-time clock with calendar.

Designers can also create intuitive userinterfaces by taking advantage of the

microcontroller’s built-in LCD controller drivingup to 376 segments with features to savepower, prevent display faults from allowingfalse readings in applications such as medicalinstruments, and simplify PCB layout andconfiguration changes. An Xtrinsic low-powerTouch-Sensing Interface (TSI) is also provided,capable of supporting up to 16 capacitive-touch electrodes.

The FOD8316 optocoupler ensures fast, reliable switching of high-voltage devices in energy-conscious applications


The Fairchild Semiconductor FOD8316is an advanced optocoupler with 2.5Aoutput-current capability, which issuitable for driving most 1200V/150AIGBTs and offers fast switchingperformance with maximumpropagation delay of 500ns over thefull operating-temperature range.

The FOD8316 is ideally suited for driving IGBTsand power MOSFETs in fast-switchingapplications such as motor-control invertersand high-performance power systems. Itensures a soft IGBT turn-off characteristic andintegrates critical protection features such asdesaturation detection and under-voltagelockout protection. These prevent faultconditions leading to destructive thermalrunaway of IGBTs.

By combining Fairchild’s patentedOptoplanar® coplanar packaging technologyand an optimised IC design, the FOD8316achieves 35kV/µs common-mode rejection

APPLICATIONS• Industrial inverters• Induction heaters• General-purpose isolated IGBT drivers

FEATURES• User-configurable inverting/non-inverting

output• Supply-voltage range: 15V to 30V• 1414V peak working-voltage rating• 8000V peak transient isolation-voltage

rating• User-configurable auto reset and auto

shutdown• Extended industrial operating-temperature

range: -40°C to 100°C



and high power-supply rejection, which assuressystem designers of high noise immunity.

Internally, the FOD8316 comprises anintegrated gate-drive optocoupler featuring P-channel MOSFETs capable of driving theIGBT gate voltage from rail to rail, and anisolated high-speed feedback circuit for faultsensing. The output transistors have typicalon-resistance of 1Ω, which helps to minimisepower dissipation. The device is housed in a

6-pin small-outline plastic package meetingthe 8mm creepage and clearancerequirements, and carries UL1577 and DINEN/IEC 60747-5-5 safety approvals.

Rohm’s SiC MOSFETs: page 26PARTNERWORKING



TRI-T

Fast-turnaround displays solve smart-meter user-interface challenges

Tri-T supplies competitively pricedstandard or custom characterand graphic LCDs and LCDmodules covering sizes up to5.8-inch diameter, making themideal for use in energy metersas well as a wide variety ofindustrial applications.

Tri-T has manufacturing capacity toproduce over 30 million square inchesof LCD glass per month,with capabilities coveringall major fabricationtechnologies such as TN,HTN, STN and FSTN, andpackage types includingsurface mount (SMT),Chip On Board (COB),Tape Automated Bonding(TAB) and Chip On Glass(COG).

Strong credentials inmonochrome displays

APPLICATIONS• Utility meters• Smart meters• Home automation• Domestic appliances• Industrial instrumentation

FEATURES• All major LCD technologies and package

types• Standard or custom sizes and shapes• Monochrome, colour, alphanumeric or

graphical displays• High quality and reliability• Short lead-times for standard or custom

samples



make Tri-T a natural partner for advancedmeter-design projects. In addition, Tri-T cansupply high-quality colour print-screen overlaydisplays, backlit RGB colour displays, pure-black

displays and displays featuringcustom-shaped glass.

Standard products from Tri-T include a line ofalphanumeric-characterdisplay modules and LiquidCrystal Module (LCM)

graphical displays that are compatible withstandard modules from other manufacturers andcan also be customised. The alphanumericmodules come in seven formats with variousfluid, backlight and temperature options.

Latest-generation IGBTs deliverapplication-optimised performance

Fairchild's application-optimised 600V and 1200V IGBTs feature the latest technologies boostingruggedness and efficiency

ON SEMICONDUCTOR

The latest families of IGBTs from ON Semiconductor deliver enhancedruggedness, switching performanceand efficiency for energy-consciousindustrial and consumer applicationssuch as motor drives, solar converters,welding equipment and inductionheating.

APPLICATIONS• Inverters• Arc welders, plasma cutters• Pumps and motor drives• Solar inverters• Cooking appliances

FEATURES• Advanced fabrication technology• Low off-state leakage current• Low gate charge• Positive temperature coefficient



Six families comprising a total of 33 componentvariants allow designers to select devicesbased on key criteria such as application,switching frequency and voltage rating.

The 600V fast F series, and 1200V field-stopL series, are optimised for switching atfrequencies in the range from 2kHz to 20kHz,and are ideal for applications such as motordrives and PFC converters. They have lowsaturation voltage and 5µs short-circuit currentcapability, and provide current ratings from15A to 40A, for the 1200V L series, and up to50A for the 600V F series.

Applications operatingat frequencies from10kHz to 50kHz,such as solarinverters, weldingequipment anduninterruptible powersupplies, are servedby the 600V and1200V FL series.These devices have afast forward-recoverycharacteristic andshort-circuit currentcapability up to 10µs.

For higher-frequency applications such asinduction heating and other soft-switchingcircuits, the IH, induction-heating series IGBTsare available in 600V and 1200V ratings, andhave low saturation voltage and soft recovery.

Taking advantage of advances in IGBTprocess technologies, and incorporatingfeatures such as a rugged co-packagedreverse-conducting diode with low forwardvoltage, these devices enable designers toboost energy efficiency, reduce componentcount and save board space.



‘Full-SiC’ modules reach mass production, reduce conversionlosses by up to 85%

Rohm has an advanced portfolio of SiC MOSFETs in production

ROHM SEMICONDUCTOR

Latest-generation technology boosts reliabilityof high-efficiency SiC MOSFETs

Rohm Semiconductor’s second-generation 1200V Silicon Carbide (SiC)power MOSFETs deliver increasedlong-term reliability compared to first-generation SiC devices, and are also thefirst devices of their type to offer theoption of a co-integrated SiC SchottkyBarrier Diode (SBD).

Through a combination of processimprovements, as well as reducing on-stateresistance per unit area by around 30%, Rohm’slatest devices enhance performance overearlier generations and enable designers tomaximise the advantages of SiC MOSFETs forpower conversion and conditioning. Theseinclude reduced power losses, increasedreliability, and smaller peripheral components.Two devices are currently available, featuringthis second-generation technology.

The SCH2080KE integrates an SiC SBD withthe SiC MOSFET using proprietary mountingtechnology which removes the need for an

APPLICATIONS• Solar inverters• DC/DC converters• Induction-heating equipment• Motor drives

FEATURES• Low on-state resistance• Fast reverse recovery• Fast switching speed• Easy to parallel• Simple gate drive



externally-mounted SBD to minimise the effectsof the body-diode forward voltage. Thisenables the device to reduce operating powerloss by at least 70% compared to siliconIGBTs used in general inverters. Switchinglosses, in particular, are lower, which not onlyhelps to increase conversion efficiency but alsoallows the use of smaller external passivecomponents by permitting switchingfrequencies above 50kHz.

The SCT2080KE gives designers the option ofa SiC power MOSFET with no internal SiC SBD.

Rohm modules facilitate deployment of highly efficient SiC technology

ROHM SEMICONDUCTOR

Rohm Semiconductor has begun massproduction of the BSM120D12P2C005and BSM180D12P2C101 Silicon-Carbide (SiC) power modules, whichare composed entirely of SiC powerelements and so deliver improvedefficiency, smaller size and reducedheat generation compared toconventional silicon-IGBT modules.

The ‘full-SiC’ BSM120D12P2C005 andBSM180D12P2C101 are 120A and 180A half-bridge modules comprising a SiC MOSFETpair that reduce power-conversion losses byup to 85% compared with conventional siliconIGBT modules. The BSM120D12P2C005 alsointegrates a SiC Schottky Barrier Diode (SBD)with each MOSFET, which reduces energylosses due to the MOSFET body diode. Inaddition, high-frequency operation of at least100kHz is possible. This is more than 10 timeshigher than typically achievable with IGBTmodules, and allows the use of smallerpassive components.

APPLICATIONS• Motor drives• DC/AC inverters• AC/DC or DC/DC converters• Solar or wind power-generation

equipment• Induction-heating equipment

FEATURES• Low surge• Enhanced temperature stability• Module dimensions:

122mm x 45.6mm x 17mm• 2500VRMS terminal-to-baseplate isolation

voltage



Although the modules are rated at 100A, theirhigh-speed switching capability, reduced loss,and improved heat dissipation allow them toreplace 200A-400A silicon-IGBT modules.Replacing a conventional 400A-class IGBT cancut volume by 50%. In addition, reduced heatgeneration reduces demand on coolingcounter-measures, contributing significantly toend-product miniaturisation.

Rohm’s advanced SiC technology alsoeliminates degradation of the body-diode’sconduction performance over time. Suchdegradation leads to a significant increase inon-state resistance after around 20 hours

when using general-purpose products. In contrast, the BSM120D12P2C005 andBSM180D12P2C101 display no increase inon-state resistance even after more than 1000 hours.

Vishay’s EMKP and HDMKP: page 5IR’s IRSM8360xxMA page 13Freescale’s KL3x Family: page 24

PARTNERWORKING

Vishay’s EMKP and HDMKP: page 5IR’s RSM8360xxMA: page 13Freescale’s KL3x Family: page 24

PARTNERWORKING

Maximum drain-source voltage 1200VTypical on-state resistance 80mΩMaximum continuous drain current 35APower dissipation 179W


Wireless microcontrollers deliver flexibility,energy efficiency and advanced performance

FREESCALE

Freescale simplifies wireless connectivityfor smart-metering and home-automationapplications with its Kinetis KW01 andKW20 MCU families, which integrate awireless transceiver with an ARM®

Cortex™-M0+ or M4 core respectivelyand peripherals including analoguefunctions, timers and multiple clocks.

The KW20 series comprises the world’s firstwireless microcontrollers based on the ARMCortex-M4 core, giving the performanceneeded to satisfy the memory and securityneeds of smart-energy applications while alsohelping avoid obsolescence as specificationsevolve. The integrated wireless transceiver isidentical to Freescale’s proven MC132422.4GHz transceiver. The transceiver isdesigned to minimise transmit and receivepower to reduce power consumption whilealso maximising link budget. The transceiverfeatures antenna diversity, which improves RFreliability, especially for conditions where multi-path interference occurs and for dual PersonalArea Network (PAN) functionality.

The KW20 series also has advancedsecurity features usually found in higher-end

APPLICATIONS• Smart metering• Smart-building systems• Renewable-energy generation• Security and access control

FEATURES• Industry-standard host interfaces• USB connection including OTG and

Charger-detect (KW20 series)• Dual-PAN support (KW20 series)• Capacitive touch-sense interface

(KW01 series)• Operating-voltage range: 1.8V to 3.6V



processors, including secure Flash, tamperdetection, a Memory-Mapped CryptographyAuthentication Unit (MMCAU) and a Random-Number Generator (RNG).

The KW01 series are ultra low-power smartradios based on the ARM Cortex-M0+ core.The on-chip sub-1GHz radio transceiver issuitable for 290MHz-1020MHz wireless-connectivity applications, and features anembedded front-end comprising high-performance, low-noise amplifiers and poweramplifiers to reach sensitivity of -120dBm at1.2kbit/s and output power adjustable from -18dBm to 17dBm. It supports OOK, FSK,GFSK and MSK signal modulation andsupports transmit and receive data rates up to600kbit/s giving the ability to satisfy diversesmart-energy and industrial applications.

Peripherals on the KW01 series include a 6-bitDAC, 16-bit ADC and analogue comparator,two10-channel timers, a low-power timer andperiodic interrupt timers, integrated frequencyoscillators, reference clocks, plus frequency-and phase-locked loops. With 128kbyte Flashand 16kbyte RAM, these devices are able to runcommunication protocols such as Simple MediaAccess Controller (SMAC) as well as globallystandardised protocols like IEEE 802.15.4.


Freescale's KW01 smart radio or KW20 ARM Cortex-M4 wirelessmicrocontroller enable advanced sensing and metering applications


DETAILSON PAGE

28

Board of the Month

Future Electronics’ Board Club: supporting innovative electronics designEurope’s electronics industry thrives on the application of innovation and creativity, and anessential innovator’s tool in design projects is the development board. The Board Club website is aFuture Electronics resource for users of development boards. Here, and only here, Board Clubmembers can gain access to exclusive free development boards and development board offers.If you would like to register for membership, please visit: www.my-boardclub.com/register.php

my-boardclub.com classifiedsFreescaleUser-interface development

Freescale Xtrinsic CRTouch capacitiveand resistive touch-sensing platformevaluation board.

Board Reference: EVBCRTOUCH Response Number: 15

FreescaleUltra-small, low-costmicrocontroller development

Ultra-low-cost Freedom developmentplatform for Freescale Kinetismicrocontrollers featuring ARM® Cortex™-M0+ processor core.

Board Reference: FRDM-KL05Z Response Number: 21

IntersilEvaluation board for IntersilISL6730A PFC controllerdemonstrating negative-capacitance technology forsmaller EMI filter components

Board Reference: ISL6730EVAL1Z Response Number: 11

MicrochipUSB-powered Microstickdevelopment tool for MicrochipPIC24 KM 16-bit microcontrollers

Board References:DM240013-1 for 3V PIC24F K-seriesDM240013-2 for 5V PIC24F K-series

Response Number: 14

NXP SemiconductorsSatellite navigation

Evaluation board illustrating theperformance of a total Global Navigation-Satellite System (GNSS) front-end basedon the NXP Semiconductors BGU8009.

Board Reference: OM7820 Response Number: 10

NXP Semiconductors8-bit microcontroller upgrade

LPCXpresso development kit for NXPSemiconductors LPC800 ARM®

Cortex™-M0+ microcontrollers.

Board Reference: OM13053 Response Number: 18

NXP SemiconductorsLow-power wireless networking

Evaluation kit supporting NXPSemiconductors JN516x wirelessmicrocontrollers, enabling thedevelopment of systems that run ZigBee®,JenNet-IP™, or IEEE 802.15.4 network.

Board Reference: JN516X-EK001 Response Number: 33

FreescaleWireless metering and homeautomation

Freescale Tower development kitsupporting Kinetis KW01 smart radio,including KW01 module, systemmotherboard, four antennas and USBcable.

Board Reference: TWR-KW01-KIT-EU Response Number: 49

Smart-energy and wireless-security applications

Freescale Tower development kits forKinetis KW20 series wirelessmicrocontrollers featuring MC132422.4GHz transceiver.

Board References:TWR-KW22D512TWR-KW21D512

Response Number: 49

APPLICATIONS• 94% conversion efficiency (panel output

to AC mains)• Non-isolated configuration• 220V AC to 240V AC mains output• Plug-in port for wireless and power-line

modems• RS-232/485 and CAN2.0B

communications ports

FEATURES• High-efficiency solar micro-inverters up

to 200W

D E V E L O P M E N T B O A R D S I N T H I S I S S U E

28 To apply for these free boards go to: www.my-boardclub.com/ftmTerms and conditions apply. Visit www.my-boardclub.com/about_us for details

Solar micro-inverter reference design with MPPTprovides complete processing and power solutionThe latest FutureBlox development board fromFuture Electronics provides a reference designfor a solar microinverter with Maximum Power-Point Tracking (MPPT) tooptimise the energy collectedfrom Photo-Voltaic (PV) panelsup to 200W in the 60- to 72-cell size range.

The MICRO-INV-FBLOXreference design has beendeveloped with FutureElectronics' partners, FairchildSemiconductor and Freescale.

It is implemented as acontroller board featuring theFreescale MC56F8257 16-bitDigital-Signal Controller (DSC)and an inverter stage thatuses Fairchild’s FCB20N60ultra-fast switch-off MOSFETs andFAN7393AM gate driver. A sample solar paneland auxiliary power supply are also provided.

Custom magnetic components produced byMyrra, complete the hardware creating aready-to-use evaluation and development

platform. The microinverter takes

advantage of the peripheralintegration provided by theMC56F8257, which hasfeatures including multiplehigh-resolution PWMchannels, two 8-channel 12-bit ADCs and support foran OLED display. A standard160-way Future-Blox interfaceconnects the control board tothe inverter stage. Theinverter features an initialboost converter that convertsthe low DC voltage from the

PV panel to approximately 400V DC usinglow-loss switching techniques.

Utilising the 60MHz processing capability of

the DSC, the reference design is able toperform MPPT digitally using the Perturb andObserve (P&O) algorithm. Alternatively, on-boardanalogue circuitry allows MPPT by Ripple-Current Correlation (RCC), thereby providingadditional flexibility for designers to choosetheir preferred approach.


T E C H N I C A L V I E W


As bio-technology pioneers begin to develop new kinds ofmedical devices that use Micro-Electro-Mechanical Systems(MEMS) in tiny surface-mount packages, Colin Weaving,Technology Director, Future Electronics (EMEA), discussespotential improvements in monitoring and treatments, andanticipates significant changes in the medical-equipmentsupply chain.

How nanotechnology couldreshape the market for patient-monitoring devices

READ THIS TO FIND OUT ABOUT• Opportunities for MEMS technology to enhance healthcare

practices• The changing relationship between medical-equipment OEMs and

supply partners• Comparison with the utility-meter market, as manufacturers adopt

smart technology


MEMS devices made by semiconductor manufacturers such asFreescale and STMicroelectronics are already routinely used asmicrophones, accelerometers and gyrometers in mobilephones and tablets. Now, they are about to turn thebusiness model of the health-monitoring equipmentindustry upside down.

The early medical uses of nanotechnology willsee the implementation of relatively simplefunctions such as pumps and pressuremonitoring. Further into the future,doctors will be able to implant tinymonitors into the patient’s skinor prescribe blood-test ‘pills’that can be swalloweddaily to enablecontinuous monitoringof blood condition. Itis quite realistic toimagine a MEMSsensor consisting of avibrating element coupled to asurface element designed to attach toa molecule. The attachment would change thefrequency of the MEMS oscillator. By building multiplecopies of this MEMS element on one die, the device coulddetect concentrations of the molecule.

Once in the bloodstream, such a device might, for instance, be ableto measure the level of chemicals such as cholesterol in the blood, andto transmit the results via a standard wireless protocol such asBluetooth. These results could then be displayed on the patient’ssmartphone running an app supplied by the device manufacturer.

In this vision, blood tests require no fixed equipment, premises orspecialist staff, unlike the conventional approach which is laborious,expensive, subject to human error, and unsuited to use in urgent caseswhere a patient’s condition is worsening rapidly. The MEMS-baseddevices allow data collected directly from the bloodstream to beuploaded continually to medical practitioners, allowing treatment, alertsand advice to be administered in real time, providing for better healthoutcomes.

The same vision is also driving developments in heart monitoring,digestive-system monitoring, and even psychological monitoring. Forpatients and medical professionals, this vision is wholly benign.

But what of the manufacturers of today’s fixed monitoring equipment,selling high-priced items to hospitals and health services? What happenswhen a gadget metamorphoses into a pharmaceutical?

Some lessons can be learned from otherindustries. As the humbleelectricity meter continues totransform into a connectedsmart appliance, SoC

manufacturers such asFreescale are integrating nearly

all the important functions of themeter into a single chip or

chipset. Yet while Freescaleprovides enormous value to the

meter manufacturer, it does notreplace it. The meter manufacturer still

designs the meter’s display, its interfaceto utility systems and its housing.

Moreover, the component supplierpresents no threat to manufacturers’

relationships with utilities.Medical equipment manufacturers can

enjoy similar security in their relationships withsemiconductor suppliers. However, product

realisation processes and the supply chain aregoing to change: where before the equipment

manufacturer entirely controlled the way digital,analogue and peripheral components were integrated

into a complete system, in future this integration willlargely occur on-chip. This will require equipment OEMs and

semiconductor manufacturers to work more closely together to definethe specifications of the device that the semiconductor manufacturer willproduce.

Component distributors have a role to play here as well, providing anexpert interface between the OEM and the semiconductor supplier. Assemiconductor manufacturers do not have the resources to serve morethan a handful of OEM customers directly, the ability of distributors tosmooth the supply chain from chip to end equipment looks set tobecome even more important.

So while patients and practitioners can look forward with excitementto the possibility of improved diagnoses and treatments, for medicalOEMs and distributors there is now much to learn if the transition tomedical nanotechnology is not to lead to commercial casualties.


Todd Baker and Navin Gautam of Future Electronics exploreenergy-harvesting applications and a new modulardevelopment tool, to show how high-performing, low-powermicrocontrollers can be used to maximise system efficiencyby implementing techniques such as Maximum Power-PointTracking (MPPT).

Energy-harvesting technology enables designers not only to improve theenvironmental performance of new products but also to increase userconvenience and system autonomy. However, design engineers trying toutilise energy-harvesting technology often struggle with unexpectedsystem behaviour and with achieving their desired energy outputs.Additionally, it has been difficult for companies to justify the return oninvestment required to redesign an existing product to incorporateenergy harvesting. The ability to fully characterise a new system in acost-effective manner, before building initial prototypes, would greatlyreduce time to market and development costs.

Advances in low-power microcontrollers address this need, openingthe door for more products and applications to utilise ambient thermal,kinetic or light energy to avoid the need for external power or batteryreplacement. To speed the growth of this market, new methods andtools must be created to lower barriers to entry and simplify methods ofintegrating energy-harvesting techniques into existing products.

Energy-harvesting overviewEnergy-harvesting systems require five main functional blocks as shownin Figure 1. The first block defines the method for harvesting energy fromthe chosen source. This may be solar, RF, vibration (kinetic) or thermalenergy.

Once the energy has been harvested and converted to electricity itgenerally needs to be regulated in a voltage-conversion stage in order tobe stored into a battery, super-capacitor, or other energy-storagemedium. This is often considered to be the charge circuit for the energy-harvesting application and may be a basic voltage regulator or a moresophisticated circuit employing Maximum Power-Point Tracking (MPPT).

MPPT maximises the collection of useful energy from the source, andreduces the impact of environmental variables such as shaded solarpanels. This charge circuit plays a key role in overall unit performance,since poor charging can reduce the battery capacity and affects productlife.

The stored energy must be managed for use in the final applicationcircuit. For cost and efficiency reasons it is preferable to power the endapplication directly from the storage device. However, this is oftenimpractical as the voltages from the storage medium can fluctuate withusage and affect the performance of the final application circuit. Asecond voltage-regulation stage is often required to mitigate this. Thecorrect topology and regulation circuit must be used, to maximiseefficiency.

Finally, the application circuit itself is powered from the output of thesecond regulation stage. For an energy-harvesting system to be viablethe application circuitry must have the lowest possible powerconsumption, using means such as minimising the regulator’s quiescentcurrent and utilising microcontroller low-power modes.

Boosting efficiency with MPPTThe effect of MPPT on energy-harvesting efficiency is perhaps mosteasily demonstrated in a solar-panel application. Solar panels act asconstant-current sources and their output voltage will match the voltageof the load being charged. If the load is a severely depleted battery orsuper-capacitor, the voltage will remain low until the storage devicebegins to charge. This prevents the solar panel outputting its full power.The dotted line in Figure 2 shows how a solar panel will operate in theseconditions.

To maximise the harvesting of light for energy, the charging circuit canutilise MPPT in the charge-circuit stage. The effects of this are shown bythe solid line in Figure 2. By lowering the impedance of the load thesolar panel will output the maximum possible power into the energy-storage device, only reducing the power output as the device becomesfully charged.

Designing with microcont harvesting efficiency

READ THIS TO FIND OUT ABOUT• Key concerns when designing energy-harvesting systems• Implementing Maximum Power-Point Tracking (MPPT) with a low-

power microcontroller• Designing with the Future Energy-Harvesting Platform (EHP)


Fig. 1: Key functional elements of a self-powered energy-harvesting system Fig. 2: MPPT continually optimises the power transferred into a load such as acharging battery



rollers to improve energy-

The MPPT circuit itself is a boost regulator, with a microcontrollercontrolling the duty cycle of the switching FET. In one of the simplestMPPT configurations, called Perturb and Observe (P&O), themicrocontroller monitors the voltage and current outputs of the solarpanel and applies Watt’s law to determine the power output. It then willadjust the duty cycle of the FET to see if power improves. This processrepeats until improvement ceases, and the duty cycle is then heldsteady. Figure 3 illustrates a circuit and flow diagram for P&O MPPT.

Because an MPPT circuit requires the microcontroller to be in constantoperation, to analyse and adjust system performance, the chosenmicrocontroller should have the lowest possible operating currents andthe ability to enter sleep modes quickly while peripherals remain active.Even the tiniest current that the microcontroller draws to perform theMPPT algorithms has the effect of reducing system efficiency. Asmicrocontroller technology constantly advances, the latest low-powerdevices can minimise these losses and expand the number ofapplications where MPPT can improve system efficiency.

Energy-Harvesting Platform (EHP)Future Electronics’ Energy-Harvesting Platform (EHP), shown in Figure 4,is a modular development platform which allows designers to evaluatevarious approaches to energy harvesting for building self-poweredsystems. The flexible nature of the platform makes it ideal for fastprototyping and full real-time characterisation of system performance.

Providing further support for customers, the Future Electronics SystemDesign Centre is ready to help develop application-specific modules,when needed, enabling engineers to fully model their desired energy-harvesting system using the EHP.

To enable engineers to study and characterise the system andoptimise performance, the PC-based application illustrated in Figure 5collects and displays real-time power information at key pointsthroughout the system. In addition, the EHP can be adapted to operateautonomously with battery backup, allowing engineers to deploysystems in the field and record performance data over an extendedperiod for later analysis.

An optional charge-circuit module enables customers to test P&O MPPTin their systems to assess the power improvements gained compared toa basic regulation circuit. While the simple P&O MPPT algorithm is used,the board can be reprogrammed and reconfigured to utilise morecomplex MPPT methods if necessary.

ConclusionThe Future Electronics Energy-Harvesting Platform reduces project-startcosts, time needed for system characterisation, and the costsassociated with validating integration of renewable-energy solutions intoan application. With this tool, engineers will be able to make the

appropriate part selection and architectural decisionsfor their designs before committing to developmentof the final application.


Fig. 3: Flowchart and circuit diagram for typical P&O MPPT

Fig. 4: EHP allows several energy-harvesting approaches to be explored, and assistance is provided to create custom modules if necessary

Fig. 5: The EHP PC-based application helps engineers to visualise the flow of power throughout theenergy-harvesting system


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