SPV 1050
SPV 1050
SPV 1050
Datasheet
Features
• Transformerless thermoelectric generators and PV modules energy harvester
• High efficiency for any harvesting source
• Up to 70 mA output current
• Fully integrated MOSFETs for Boost or Buck-boost configurations
• Selectable enable/disable MPPT functionality
• Programmable MPPT by external resistors
• 2.6 V to 5.3 V trimmable output overvoltage level (± 1% accuracy)
• 2.2 V to 3.6 V trimmable output undervoltage level (± 1% accuracy)
• Two fully independent LDOs (1.8 V and 3.3 V output)
• Enable/disable LDO pins
• Load disconnect function (by-pass transistor open) prior the first start-up (Cold
Start) to avoid battery lifetime shortening
• Battery Connected and DC-DC switching open drain indication pins
Product status link
SPV1050 Applications
• Internet of things
Product label
• Remote control
• Fleet and livestock tracking
• Agriculture sensors
• Toll-pay
• Electronic labels
• Smart watch and wearable.
Description
The SPV1050 is an ultra-low power and high-efficiency power manager embedding
four MOSFETs for boost or buck-boost DC-DC converter and an additional transistor
for the load connection/disconnection.
An internal high accuracy MPPT algorithm can be used to maximize the power
extracted from PV panel or TEG.
The internal logic works to guarantee tight monitoring of both the end-of-charge
voltage (VEOC) and the minimum battery voltage (VUVP) by opening the pass-
transistor at triggering of the VEOC threshold or at triggering of the VUVP threshold to
preserve the battery life. Both the VEOC and VUVP thresholds can be trimmed by
external resistors connected between the STORE rail and the EOC and UVP pins,
respectively.
In boost configuration (CONF pin connected to the supply source), the IC requires
550 mV and 30 μA to Cold start; while after the first start-up the input voltage can
range between 150 mV and VEOC. In buck-boost configuration (CONF pin connected
to ground), the IC requires 2.6 V and 5 μA at Cold start; while after the first start-up
input voltage can range between 150 mV up to 18 V.
The STORE pin is available as unregulated voltage output (e.g. to supply by external
LDO a micro-controller), while two fully independent LDOs (1.8 V and 3.3 V) are
embedded for powering other companion ICs like MCU, sensors or RF transceivers.
Both LDOs can be independently enabled through the related pins.
1 Block Diagram
2 Pin configurations
3 Pin description
Pin no.
(VFQFPN Name Type Description
20)
Pin no.
(VFQFPN Name Type Description
20)
4 Maximum ratings
1. Measured on 2-layer application board FR4, Cu thickness = 17 um with total exposed pad area = 16 mm2
2. Maximum power dissipation = 1.3W (@TAMB = 85oC; Rth(JA) = 49oC/W)
5 Electrical characteristics
VSTORE = 4 V; -40 °C < TJ < 85 °C, unless otherwise specified. Voltage with respect to GND, unless otherwise
specified
Bandgap
Internal reference voltage - 1.23 - V
VBG
Accuracy -1 - +1 %
UVP
VSTORE undervoltage
VSTORE(UVP) (VUVP + UVPHYS) < (VEOC - EOCHYS) 2.2 - 3.6 V
protection range
UVPHYS UVP hysteresis VSTORE rising - 5 - %
EOC
VSTORE end-of-charge
VSTORE(EOC) (VUVP + UVPHYS) < (VEOC - EOCHYS) 2.6 - 5.3 V
voltage range
EOCHYS EOC hysteresis VSTORE falling - -1 - %
STORE
Standby mode:
BATT_CONN low, BATT_CHG high,
ISB Standby current VSTORE = 5.3 V, VMPP < VEN_TH and - 0.8 - μA
LDO1,2_EN low
TAMB = 25 °C
LDO1_EN = 1
Operating mode (LDOs or - 1.7 -
in open load), LDO2_EN = 1
Operating current in open
IOP BATT_CONN low, μA
load LDO1_EN = 1
BATT_CHG high,
TAMB = 25 °C and - 2.6 -
LDO2_EN = 1
DC-DC converter
Boost configuration, BATT_CONN high
- 0.55 0.58
Cold start minimum input or at first start-up
VIN-SU V
voltage Buck-boost configuration BATT_CONN
- 2.6 2.8
high or at first start-up
DC-DC input current high DC-DC active and input current rising
IL(PEAK) 85 190 mA
peak threshold (TAMB = 25oC)
DC-DC output current low DC-DC active and input current falling
IL(ZC) 0 82 mA
threshold (TAMB = 25oC)
MPPT
TTRACKING MPPT tracking period BATT_CHG low 12 20 s
LDO
Digital output
6 Functional description
The SPV1050 can be used as energy harvester or normal DC-DC converter, depending on the activation or
deactivation of the embedded MPPT algorithm (by MPP_SET pin setting). Also, the IC offers both output stage
over-voltage and under-voltage controls, fitting with the most typical requirements of battery charger applications.
The additional unregulated (STORE) and regulated (LDO1, LDO2) voltage rails makes the IC suitable to be used
as power manager.
Independently by the activation/deactivation of the MPPT function, the DC-DC converter stage can be configured
as boost or buck-boost by tying the CONF pin to the input source or to ground, respectively. See Figure 5. Boost
configuration example and Figure 13. Buck-boost configuration example.
If the embedded MPPT algorithm is enabled (MPP and MPP_SET pins connected to input source by a resistor
partitioning), the device periodically stops the switching of the DC-DC converter to do a sampling of the input
voltage and to store it on the capacitor connected at MPP_REF pin. When the sampling time elapses, the IC
restarts operating: if VMPP > VMPP_REF, then the DC-DC can switch again, provided that other limitations are not
active (for example, the switching is disabled if the over-voltage threshold has been triggered on EOC pin). The
selection of the resistor partitioning at the input stage depends on the electrical characteristic of the harvested
source and allows the IC to maximize the extracted power: see further details in Section 6.2: Boost
configuration,Section 6.3: Buck-boost configuration and Figure 20. MPPT setup circuitry.
The MPPT algorithm can be disabled by shorting the MPP_SET pin to the STORE pin. In this application case the
MPP_REF pin is usually connected to a voltage reference. In case of low impedance source (e.g. USB), the
MPP_REF is normally connected to GND: the IC tries switching at highest duty cycle. In case of high impedance
source (limited current capability, i.e. the source isn't able to sustain the continuous switching at maximum duty
cycle), the MPP_REF pin can be connected to a reference voltage (VEXT_REF) such that the IC stops switching
when VMPP < VEXT_REF. This voltage reference can be set through a resistor ladder connected to STORE rail or
to any other voltage reference available.
Before the first startup (cold start) the pass transistor is open, so that the leakage from the BATT pin is lower than
1 nA. If enough energy is available at the input stage, then the voltage at STORE pin starts rising by the activation
of an internal charge pump first, and then by the activation of the DC-DC: the pass transistor is closed once the
(rising) voltage on the STORE pin triggers the over-voltage threshold VSTORE(EOC) (corresponding to VEOC > VBG)
and the DC-DC stops switching. An internal hysteresis (EOCHYS) sets the restart voltage level for the DC-DC.
Note that, if necessary, the STORE pin can be supplied by an additional source, different form the source
connected at the input stage.
The IC also offers the under-voltage protection threshold: the pass transistor is opened once the (falling) voltage
on the STORE pin decreases down to the under-voltage threshold VSTORE(UVP) (corresponding to VUVP < VBG).
Referring to Figure 3. Battery management section, the design rules to set up the R4, R5 and R6 are the
following:
Equation 1:
set the total output resistance (ROUT(TOT) = R4 + R5 + R6) to minimize its leakage:
• 10 MΩ ≤ ROUT(TOT) ≤ 20 MΩ
Equation 2:
• R6 = (VBG / VEOC) × ROUT(TOT)
Equation 3:
• R5 = (VBG / VUVP) × ROUT(TOT) - R6
In addition, the IC provides two open drain digital outputs to an external microcontroller:
• BATT_CONN
This pin is pulled down when the pass transistor is closed. It will be released once the pass transistor will
be opened. If used, this pin must be pulled up to the STORE rail by resistor (10 MΩ, typically) .
• BATT_CHG
This pin is pulled down when the DC-DC converter is switching, while it's released when it is not switching,
i.e. it is high after STORE triggers VSTORE(EOC) and until it drops by EOCHYS , or when the UVLOL
threshold is triggered, or during the sampling period (TSAMPLE ) of the MPPT algorithm. If used, this pin
must be pulled-up to the STORE rail by a resistor (10 MΩ, typically).
For some applications (typically with battery or super-cap connected to BATT pin) it could be necessary to
implement a reactivation hysteresis after under-voltage event (pass transistors status changes from closed to
open): it avoids the undesired continuous system reset loop due to full discharge of the CSTORE at every triggering
of the over-voltage threshold. The application solution is simply based on a diode (or p-channel MOSFET driven
by BATT_CONN) between STORE and BATT pins.
In case of boost configuration, once the source is connected, the SPV1050 will start boosting the voltage on the
STORE rail. In the range of 0 ≤ VSTORE < 2.6 V the voltage boost is carried on by an integrated high-efficiency
charge pump, while the DC-DC converter stage remains OFF.
Figure 6. Boost start-up shows the behavior of input voltage VIN (voltage supplied by the source) and VSTORE at
the start-up.
In the range 2.6 V ≤ VSTORE < VSTORE(EOC) the voltage on STORE rail is boosted by the DC-DC converter that
operates driven by internal logic until VMPP > VMPP_REF. Switching activity of the DC-DC is controlled by internal
logic: ON phase stops at triggering of IL(PEAK) (peak current through the inductor) and can't be longer than
TON(MAX) ; OFF phase can't be shorter than TOFF(MIN). Also, purposing highest efficiency with low power source,
the first ON phase after reactivation of the DC-DC is limited a triggering of IL(PEAK) / 2.
If the MPPT mode is active, then the IC stops switching for ~400 ms (TSAMPLE) every ~16 seconds (TTRACKING).
During the TSAMPLE, the IC goes in high impedance and the open circuit voltage VOC at input stage is sampled
and stored by charging the CREF (capacitor on the MPP_REF pin) through the MPP_SET pin.
Once the TSAMPLE is elapsed, the DC-DC converter will start switching back: the IC impedance is set featuring the
VIN stays as close as possible to the VMPP_REF. The periodic sampling of VOC guarantees the best MPPT in case
of source condition variations (e.g. irradiation/thermal gradient and/or temperature changes).
A resistor partitioning connected between the source and the pins MPP and MPP_SET has to be properly
selected, in order to match the source manufacturer's specs: refer to Section 6.4: MPPT setting for further details.
Figure 7. MPPT tracking shows the input voltage waveform of a PV panel supplying
VOC = 1.25 V and VMP = 1.05 V.
Once the voltage at STORE pin triggers the VSTORE(EOC) the switching of the DC-DC converter stops until
VSTORE decreases below the threshold defined by the internal hysteresis.
The following plots (Figure 9. Efficiency vs. input current; VOC = 1.0 V, Figure 10. Efficiency vs. input current; VOC
= 1.5 V, Figure 11. Efficiency vs. input current; VOC = 2.0 V, Figure 12. Efficiency vs. input current; VOC = 2.5 V)
show the power efficiency of the DC-DC converter configured in boost mode at TAMB = 25 °C in some typical use
cases at different open circuit voltages (MPPTRATIO = 83%):
0.9
0.85
0.8
0.75
0.7
Pout/Pin [%]
Efficiency
0.55
0.5
0.45
0.4
0.01 0.1 1 10 100
0.85
0.8
Pout/Pin [%]
Efficiency
0.7
0.65
0.6
0.01 0.1 1 10 100
0.95
0.9
0.85
Pout/Pin [%]
Efficiency
0.7
0.65
0.6
0.01 0.1 1 10 100
AM03747
0.95
0.9
0.85
Pout/Pin [%]
Efficiency
0.8 Vbatt = 4.2 V
Vbatt = 3.7 V
Vbatt = 3.0 V
0.75
0.7
0.65
0.6
0.01 0.1 1 10 100
BATT
STORE
IN_LV UVP
+
-
CONTROL
DRIVERS
EOC
IN_HV +
-
MPP_SET
MPPT 3.3 V LDO2
MPP_REF TO LOAD2
PGND GND
AM03399
In case of buck-boost configuration, once the harvested source is connected, the IN_HV and STORE pins will be
internally shorted until VSTORE < 2.6 V. Figure 14. Buck-boost start-up (IIN = 5 μA) shows the behavior of the input
voltage VIN_HV and VSTORE at the start-up.
In the range 2.6 V ≤ VSTORE < VSTORE(EOC) the integrated DC-DC switches until VMPP > VMPP_REF.
If the MPPT function is active, then the IC stops switching for ~400ms (TSAMPLE) every ~16 seconds (TTRACKING).
During the TSAMPLE, the open circuit voltage VOC of the input source is sampled and stored by charging the CREF
(capacitor on the MPP_REF pin) through the MPP_SET pin. Once the TSAMPLE is elapsed, the DC-DC converter
operates again driven by the internal logic and such that VIN (voltage supplied by the source) stays as close as
possible to the maximum power point of the source. The periodic sampling of VOC guarantees the best MPPT in
case of source condition variations (e.g. irradiation and/or temperature changes).
A resistor partitioning connected between the source and the pins MPP and MPP_SET has to be properly
selected in order to match the electrical characteristics of the source given by the manufacturer. Please refer to
Section 6.4: MPPT setting for further details.
Figure 15. MPPT tracking shows the MPPT tracking form in case of VOC = 9.9 V and voltage at maximum power
point VMP = 8.2 V.
The following plots (Figure 16. Efficiency vs. input current - VOC = 6V , Figure 17. Efficiency vs. input current -
VOC = 9V , Figure 18. Efficiency vs. input current - VOC = 12V , Figure 19. Efficiency vs. input current - VOC =
15V ) show the power efficiency of the DC-DC converter configured in buck-boost mode at TAMB = 25 °C in some
typical use cases (MPPTRATIO = 83%):
0.85
0.8
0.75
Pout/Pin [%]
Efficiency
Vbatt = 4.2 V
Vbatt = 3.7 V
Vbatt = 3.0 V
0.7
0.65
0.6
0.01 0.1 1 10 100
0.8
0.75
Pout/Pin [%]
Efficiency
Vbatt = 4.2 V
Vbatt = 3.7 V
Vbatt = 3.0 V
0.7
0.65
0.6
0.01 0.1 1 10 100
0.85
0.8
0.75
Pout/Pin [%]
Efficiency
Vbatt = 4.2 V
Vbatt = 3.7 V
Vbatt = 3.0 V
0.7
0.65
0.6
0.01 0.1 1 10 100
0.8
0.75
Pout/Pin [%]
Efficiency
Vbatt = 4.2 V
Vbatt = 3.7 V
Vbatt = 3.0 V
0.7
0.65
0.6
0.01 0.1 1 10 100
R1
R2 MPP
MPP_SET
MPPT
Source R3 MPP_REF
Cin
C REF
PGND GND
AM03400
To select R1, R2 and R3 it is necessary to set some application parameters and then apply the below equations
from 4 to 7.
• Electrical characteristics of the harvesting source
– VOC(MAX), intended as VOC at max operating condition of the source
– MPPTRATIO , intended as VMP(TYP)/VOC(TYP) at typical operating conditions of the source
• Application constraints
– ILEAKAGE, intended as the acceptable leakage through the resistors at the input stage
– Usually, 0.1 μA ≤ ILEAKAGE ≤ 1 μA fits for most of the applications.
• SPV1050 constraints
– VEN_TH (MAX) ≤ VMPP(MAX) ≤ (VUVP(MIN) - 100 mV) ⇒
150 mV ≤ VMPP(MAX) ≤ 2.1 V
– VMPP(MAX) < VOC(MAX)
Equation 4:
RIN(TOT) = R1 + R2 + R3 > (VOC(MAX) / ILEAKAGE ) × MPPTRATIO
Equation 5:
R1 = RIN(TOT) × [ 1 - (VMPP(MAX) / VOC(MAX) ) ]
Equation 6:
R2 = RIN(TOT) × (VMPP(MAX) / VOC(MAX) ) × (1 - MPPTRATIO)
Equation 7:
R3 = RIN(TOT) × (VMPP(MAX) / VOC(MAX) ) × MPPTRATIO
Example:
Harvesting source is a PV panel with VMP(TYP) = 1.5 V and VOC(TYP) = 2.0 V ( ⇒ MPPTRATIO = 75%). At
maximum light irradiation VOC(MAX) = 2.2 V.
VMPP(MAX) could be set between 0.15 V and 2.1 V: it is warmly suggested to set VMPP(MAX) at highest allowed
value (so, VMPP(MAX) = 2.1 V). Assume that for the application ILEAKAGE < 1 μ A is acceptable.
Hence set
• VOC(MAX) = 2.2 V
• VMPP(MAX) = 2.1 V
RIN(TOT) > (2.2 V / 1 uA) × 0.75 > 1.65 MΩ ==> RIN(TOT) = 10 MΩ
R1 =10 MΩ × [ 1 - (2.1 V / 2.2 V) ] = 0.455 MΩ
R2 =10 MΩ × (2.1 V/ 2.2 V) × (1- 0.75) = 2.38 MΩ
R3 =10 MΩ × (2.1 V/ 2.2 V) × 0.75 = 7.16 MΩ
Also, the MPPT accuracy can be strongly affected by an improper selection of the input capacitor. The input
capacitance CIN = 4.7 μF generally covers the most typical use cases.
The energy extracted from the source, and stored on CIN, is transferred to the load by the DC-DC converter
through the inductor. The energy extracted by the inductor depends by the sink current: the higher input currents
cause higher voltage drop on the input capacitance and this may result a problem for low voltage (< 1 V) and high
energy (> 20 mA) sources. In such application cases the input capacitance has to be increased or, alternatively
the L1 inductance has to be reduced.
During the TSAMPLE time frame the input capacitor CIN is charged up to VOC by the source with a time constant
(T1) resulting from the capacitance and the equivalent resistance REQ of the source.
In case of PV source, being IMP the minimum operating current for MPPT, the REQ can be calculated as following:
Equation 8:
• REQ = (VOC - VMP) / IMP = VOC × (1 - MPPRATIO) / IMP
Thus CIN is calculated by the following formula:
Equation 9:
• CIN ≤ T1 /REQ
The following plots (Figure 21. Energy harvester equivalent circuit, Figure 22. Voltage vs. time at different C
values and fixed current) show the effect of different CIN values on the time constant. If the capacitance is too
high, the capacitor may not be charged within the TSAMPLE = 400 ms time window, thus affecting the MPPT
accuracy.
REQ I MPP
VE Q C1
VC1
AM03401V1
Figure 22. Voltage vs. time at different C values and fixed current
Note that the internal logic inhibits both LDOs when the embedded pass transistor is open, that is when the
battery is not connected. Also, the LDOs are both supplied by the STORE rail: if the input source is unable to
sustain the current required by the load, then the missing energy will be supplied by the battery connected to the
BATT pin. In this case, the current from the battery causes a voltage drop between STORE and BATT pins due to
the resistance of the pass transistor:
VSTORE = VBATT - (RBATT * ILOAD).
If VSTORE drops and UVP pin triggers the undevoltage threshold, then the pass transistor gets open and the load
is no longer supplied until next end of charge condition is reached.
7 Package information
In order to meet environmental requirements, ST offers these devices in different grades of ECOPACK packages,
depending on their level of environmental compliance. ECOPACK specifications, grade definitions and product
status are available at: www.st.com. ECOPACK is an ST trademark.
Dimensions [mm](1)
Symbol
Min. Typ. Max.
1. “VFQFPN” stands for “Thermally Enhanced Very thin Fine pitch Quad Packages No lead”. Very thin: 0.80 < A ≤ 1.00 mm /
fine pitch: e < 1.00 mm.
8 Ordering information
IL(PEAK)
VIN
TON
VIN - VSTORE
L * TOFF LOW INPUT POWER
L *
ILH
~
IL(MIN)
T
TON(MAX)
Internal TON TOFF TOFF(MIN)
Driving Signal
ON OFF
VIN
~
~
The SPV1050 activates the driving signal of the DC-DC when VMPP > VMPP_REF. During the ON phase of the
driving signal, the inductor is loaded for TON until one of the following events occurs:
• VSTORE triggers the overvoltage threshold
• The inductor current (IL) triggers the internal threshold IL(PEAK) (= 140 mA, typ.)
• TON(MAX) = 10 μs elapses
In the OFF phase the energy stored in the inductor will be released to the output stage: during TOFF the IL
decreases to ILZC. According to the internal controls of the IC, TOFF(MIN) = 0.2 μs: in order to prevent IL goes
negative, the application must be designed such that the energy stored in the inductor during TON is always
greater than, or equal to, the energy released during TOFF. This goal can be achieved through the proper
selection of R2 + R3. Thus, in order to guarantee IL(MIN) > 0, it must be:
Equation 10:
• IL(MIN) = IH - (VSTORE - VIN)×(TOFF(MIN)/L) > 0
Equation 11:
• IL(MIN) = (VIN/L) × TON(MAX)- (VSTORE - VIN)×(TOFF(MIN)/L) > 0
leading
Equation 12:
• VIN > VSTORE × (TOFF(MIN)/(TON(MAX) + TOFF(MIN)) = VSTORE / 51
As worst case for the above equation it can be considered VSTORE at the overvoltage level.
The resistor R1, part of the partitioning at the input stage, can be used purposing the DC-DC switch-off before
IL(MIN) ≤ 0.
VMPP = VIN *(R2+R3)/(R1+R2+R3) < VEN_TH
Revision history
Table 6. Document revision history