New solar charger IC for Lithium-Ion batteries

Israel based Techtium released solar charger IC for charging batteries in mobile phones, Bluetooth headsets and Bluetooth car-kits.

The TEC103 solar charger IC for solar applications boosts a single PV cell voltage (from 0.4-0.5 VDC) to Li-Ion voltage and controls the device's single cell Li-Ion battery charging. This IC has synchronous DC-DC boost converter and optimal Li-Ion charge controller to offer conversion efficiencies of up to 85% of the solar PV power transferred to the Li-Ion battery.

Techtium claims TEC103 solar solution works at the single PV cell maximum power point and provides up to 2x more power compared to alternatives like multi-cell solar modules and up-to 10x more power can be supplied in partly shaded conditions. Current charging solutions typically require multiple solar cells in series, which drives up cost, reduces efficiency, and increases sensitivity to shading losses and PV array element mismatches.

"We see no single IC currently available combining a ultra-low voltage input with up to 85% power conversion efficiency and Li-Ion charge control in a single chip like the TEC103," said Daniel Breiting, Technical Marketing Director of Techtium. "Techtium is already shipping its ICs in products that incorporate solar charging. The TEC103 solar solution improves efficiency and reduces costs of innovative solar powered mobile applications."

For further details visit www.techtium.net/solutions-inside.php?pid=10.