New PMIC Facilitates Energy Harvesting from Light Sources

e-peas has recently unveiled the AEM15820, a cutting-edge energy-harvesting PMIC specifically engineered to maximize power extraction from modern hybrid photovoltaic (PV) cells. These innovative hybrid devices are capable of harnessing energy from both indoor and outdoor light sources, generating a wide range of power outputs from a few microwatts to multiple watts.

This development is particularly noteworthy for eeNews Europe readers as it signifies a significant step towards the practical implementation of light-powered devices on a mass scale. The dynamic operating range and high level of integration offered by the AEM15820 could serve as a valuable reference point for engineers working on the design of next-generation wearables, IoT modules, and intelligent outdoor systems.

Enhancing the Feasibility of Hybrid PV Technology

Hybrid PV cells have been gaining traction due to their ability to produce energy under varying lighting conditions, unlike traditional PV technologies that are typically optimized for either indoor or outdoor use. e-peas highlights the broad output range of these hybrid cells, which can generate from microwatts under indoor lighting to several watts under direct sunlight, making them an appealing choice for applications in consumer electronics, sensor nodes, and portable outdoor equipment.

The AEM15820 is specifically designed to address this variability, offering a comprehensive single-chip solution that covers the entire spectrum from microwatts to watts. This capability enables engineers to create self-charging devices like headphones, charging cases, e-readers, hiking computers, remote security cameras, and more. With support for both batteries and lithium-ion capacitors (LiC), the device is well-suited for long-lasting consumer products and robust outdoor applications.

Efficient and Flexible Architecture

At the system level, the PMIC boasts an ultra-low-power cold start of 5 µW at 275 mV, ensuring reliable operation even in low-light indoor environments. It provides regulated output voltages ranging from 0.6 V to 3.3 V at up to 100 mA and offers a configurable source regulation mode for added flexibility.

The AEM15820 can be fully customized via GPIO or I²C interfaces, granting designers control over storage protection thresholds, thermal protection mechanisms, load path behavior, and source voltage regulation. To optimize efficiency across changing light conditions, the PMIC incorporates both low-power and high-power boost converters, seamlessly switching between them as needed. Additionally, a 5-V DC input allows for rapid charging from mains power when required.

Geoffroy Gosset, CEO & Co-founder of e-peas, expressed excitement about the AEM15820, stating, “This breakthrough doesn’t just enhance existing designs; it opens up new possibilities for self-powered products. From innovative consumer gadgets to rugged outdoor electronics and emerging lifestyle devices, the range of applications now feasible has expanded significantly.” The device comes in a compact 5 × 5 mm QFN40 package, with evaluation boards currently available for engineers interested in exploring its capabilities further.