Solar cells and cards
2 June 2004
Power Electronics / Power Management
Ixys has released a new range of solar cell PV-Arrays (solar arrays), and PV-Cards (solar cards), for charging various battery powered and handheld products such as mobile phones, PDAs, cameras and toys as well as for industrial applications such as wireless sensors and portable instrumentation.
With an efficiency of over 17%, the company says these Solar PV arrays enable the ability to extend run time even in 'low light' conditions and increase battery run time and life in a small footprint.
The PV-Array family of products, as well as a PV-Card consists of multiple series/parallel-connected solar cells, which provides a range of output voltages at currents from 30 to 100 mA. The cells are proprietary mono-crystalline, high efficient Ixolar cell technology. There are four different cell areas available: 120 mm2, 240 mm2, 360 mm2, and 480 mm2.
The XOA17-12-04 PV-Array has four Ixolar solar cells connected in series on a PCB. With an area of 480 mm2, this array generates typically 72 mW and 2,4 V as an open circuit voltage (Voc) making it ideal for portable electronic instruments, remote sensors, military and civilian portable wireless communication, consumer products like: PDAs, MP3 Players, and for emergency backup battery power. The PV-Card product family, however, is constructed using Ixys' proprietary DCB (direct copper bonded) ceramic as the substrate for the solar cells. The advantages of DCB substrates are improved thermal conductivity and better reliability due to similar thermal expansion coefficients. In addition, it can be patterned to mount additional chips such as a Schottky diode to prevent discharging of batteries during night-time.
PV-Cards are ideal for higher power outdoor concentrator applications such as for battery backup in commercial and telecom equipment. The PV-Cards available are the XOA17-12-14D (58 x 48 mm2) and capable of 225 mW and Voc = 8,4 V and the XOA17-36-10DS (106,7 x 46,7 mm2) with up to 500 mW. The latter has two strings of five series-connected cells that can be either connected in series to generate Voc = 2 x 3,1 V = 6,2 V or in parallel.
Further reading:
ABB’s Mission to Zero drives South Africa’s energy transition
ABB Electrification Products
Power Electronics / Power Management
ABB Electrification is charting a bold path towards a net-zero future with its Mission to Zero programme, a blueprint that combines energy efficiency, electrification, and digital innovation to accelerate the transition to clean energy.
Read more...
Energy harvesting using a battery-less IoT system
NuVision Electronics
Editor's Choice Power Electronics / Power Management
Energy Harvesting plays an essential role in the foundation of ambient IoT, a new generation of ultra-low power connected devices that operate by drawing energy from their environment instead of relying on traditional batteries.
Read more...
Driving power, defining performance
Future Electronics
Power Electronics / Power Management
Vishay’s portfolio of inductors, current sense resistors, and MOSFETs provides a comprehensive solution for intelligent power management.
Read more...
Battery simulator module simplifies BMS testing
Test Dynamics
Power Electronics / Power Management
The PXI/PXIe solution from Pickering Interfaces offers a scalable, modular design for faster development cycles, lower total cost of ownership, and improved safety.
Read more...
DC PSU: The cornerstone for efficient solar-storage systems
Vepac Electronics
Power Electronics / Power Management
PV energy storage systems are evolving and DC power supplies, with their technical characteristics that are naturally compatible with new energy, have become a key carrier for improving system energy efficiency.
Read more...
Why local manufacturing, maintenance and support are key to the success of South Africa’s energy future
Power Electronics / Power Management
Although new renewable generation capacity is being developed, the current transmission infrastructure may not fully support the connection of these sources to the national grid or adequately deliver power to areas of high demand.
Read more...
Converter power modules for 48 V networks
Altron Arrow
Power Electronics / Power Management
The economic and quality-of-life benefits of electrification is driving the adoption of HV to 48 V DC-DC conversion across many markets with 48 V power modules becoming more common.
Read more...
The importance of power integrity
Spectrum Concepts
Power Electronics / Power Management
[Sponsored] Behind every high-speed system lies the need for power integrity. Without it, even the cleanest signal paths become compromised.
Read more...
Precise multi-vital sign monitoring
Future Electronics
Power Electronics / Power Management
The AS7058 by ams OSRAM is an integrated multi-vital sign monitoring device, which provides a complete photoplethysmogram, electrocardiogram, body impedance sensor, and electrodermal activity sensor.
Read more...
Automotive battery diagnostics tester
Comtest
Power Electronics / Power Management
Midtronics’ MVT handheld battery tester is a revolutionary tool, powered by MDX-AI, which is set to redefine the standards of battery diagnostics and testing in the automotive industry.
Read more...
printer friendly version