Set of IC chips for solar PV inverter
design optimizes power conversion
National Semiconductor has introduced ten new IC chips
as part of its SolarMagic family for designing solar photovoltaic
(PV) inverter systems. These new devices target solar PV
applications such as microinverters, power optimizers, charge
controllers and panel safety systems.
"National now offers an extensive portfolio of analog
and mixed signal ICs that provide manufacturers of microinverters
with the robust, renewable energy grade ICs they need to
ensure long-term operation," said Bill Mazotti, Solar
IC Business Unit Director at National. "National's
solutions for the photovoltaic space now include components
for power optimizers, microinverters and inverters."
National says its new SolarMagic ICs are first developed
to meet photovoltaic renewable energy-grade qualification
requirements. Each IC is engineered specifically for demanding
rooftop environments that range from extreme cold to severe
heat, and each passes rigorous testing with enhanced reliability
specific to solar requirements. In addition, the ICs ensure
long-term operation, developed to meet and exceed the 25-year
life expectancy of photovoltaic modules, adds National.
The advantages of these devices include increasing energy
harvest, reducing cost per kilowatt-hour and improving safety
in junction boxes and other types of enclosures.
A full set of reference designs and application notes with
circuit diagrams are provided to the designer to quickly
develop a solar PV system. Each reference design includes
an evaluation board, bill of materials and circuit diagram
schematic.
All these are available at at http://www.solarmagic.com/en/applications.html.
Technical Features of National's New SolarMagic ICs:
MPPT Controllers - For distributed PV power optimization
applications providing maximum power point tracking (MPPT),
National offers the SM72441 and SM72442 programmable MPPT
controllers. Features include voltage and current diagnostics,
integrated four switch buck-boost converter control, overvoltage/overcurrent
protection and an I2C interface.
Gate Drivers - For power processing circuitry in power
optimizers, microinverters and charge controllers, National
offers the SM72295 full-bridge and SM72482 dual 5A compound
gate drivers. The drivers can drive four discrete MOSFETS
in a full-bridge configuration and each includes a high
side overcurrent sense amplifier with high sink and source
current capabilities.
Voltage Regulators - For a variety of bias rail applications
used in power optimizers, microinverters and charge controllers,
National offers the SM72485 switching regulator with constant-on-time
technology that enables an operating range up to 100V at
high conversion efficiency. National also offers the SM72238
5V low drop out (LDO) regulator for lower power.
Sensing and Detection - National offers a variety of products
for ancillary circuits commonly found in distributed PV
power optimization and battery charging applications for
protection, sensing, supervisory, and control. The SM72240
is a supervisory reset circuit. The SM72375 is a dual micropower
rail-to-rail input CMOS comparator. The SM72480 is a preset
temperature switch and sensor that provides the industry's
best accuracy. The SM72501 precision CMOS, RRIO, wide supply
range amplifier provides low offset voltage along with low
input bias current.
Pricing and Availability
National's 10 new SolarMagic ICs are available now in a
variety of industry-standard electronic packages. Priced
in quantities of 1,000, the ICs range from $0.50 to $4.10.
More information about National's SolarMagic IC products
is available at http://www.national.com/analog/solarmagic#products.
