Overview
The BQ25504RGTR from Texas Instruments is an ultra-low-power boost converter and battery management solution designed for energy harvesting applications. It is part of a new family of intelligent integrated energy harvesting Nano-Power management solutions. This device is specifically tailored to efficiently acquire and manage power from microwatts (µW) to milliwatts (mW) generated from various DC sources, such as photovoltaic (solar) cells or thermal electric generators (TEGs). The BQ25504 is particularly suited for applications with stringent power and operational demands, such as wireless sensor networks (WSN).
Key Specifications
| Parameter | Minimum | Typical | Maximum | Unit |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Input Voltage (VIN_DC) | 0.13 | - | 3 | V |
| Battery Voltage Range (VBAT) | 2.5 | - | 5.25 | V |
| Peak Input Power (PIN_PK) | - | - | 400 | mW |
| Operating Junction Temperature Range (TJ) | -40 | - | 125 | °C |
| Storage Temperature Range (TSTG) | -65 | - | 150 | °C |
| Input Inductance (LBST) | 19.8 | 22 | 24.2 | µH |
| Operating Free Air Ambient Temperature (TA) | -40 | - | 85 | °C |
Key Features
- Ultra-Low Power Operation: The BQ25504 operates with very low quiescent current, making it suitable for energy harvesting applications where power is scarce.
- High Efficiency Boost Converter: The device uses pulse frequency modulation (PFM) to maintain high efficiency even under light load conditions.
- Programmable Maximum Power Point Tracking (MPPT): Allows for optimization of power transfer from the input source using external resistors and capacitors.
- Battery and Capacitor Management: Supports various energy storage elements such as rechargeable batteries, super capacitors, or conventional capacitors. It monitors and controls undervoltage (UV) and overvoltage (OV) levels to protect the storage element.
- Battery Good Flag: Signals an attached microprocessor when the voltage on the energy storage element drops below a preset critical level, helping in load current management.
- Compact Package: Available in a small-footprint, 16-lead, 3-mm x 3-mm VQFN package.
Applications
- Wireless Sensor Networks (WSN): Ideal for WSN applications due to its low power consumption and high efficiency.
- Energy Harvesting Systems: Suitable for systems powered by photovoltaic cells, thermal electric generators (TEGs), and other low-power DC sources.
- IoT Devices: Can be used in Internet of Things (IoT) devices that require efficient power management from limited energy sources.
- Low-Power Electronics: Applicable in various low-power electronic devices that need efficient battery and capacitor management.
Q & A
- What is the primary function of the BQ25504RGTR?
The BQ25504RGTR is an ultra-low-power boost converter and battery management solution designed for energy harvesting applications.
- What types of energy storage elements does the BQ25504 support?
The BQ25504 supports rechargeable batteries, super capacitors, and conventional capacitors.
- What is the minimum input voltage required for the BQ25504?
The minimum input voltage (VIN_DC) is 0.13 V.
- How does the BQ25504 manage battery voltage levels?
The device monitors and controls undervoltage (UV) and overvoltage (OV) levels to protect the storage element, and it also toggles a battery good flag to signal when the voltage drops below a preset critical level.
- What is the purpose of the programmable MPPT in the BQ25504?
The programmable Maximum Power Point Tracking (MPPT) optimizes the transfer of power from the input source using external resistors and capacitors.
- What is the operating temperature range of the BQ25504?
The operating junction temperature range is -40°C to 125°C, and the operating free air ambient temperature range is -40°C to 85°C.
- What package type is the BQ25504 available in?
The BQ25504 is available in a 16-lead, 3-mm x 3-mm VQFN package.
- How does the BQ25504 handle peak currents that cannot come directly from the input source?
The storage element (such as a battery or capacitor) ensures that constant power is available and can handle peak currents that cannot directly come from the input source.
- What is the significance of the cold start circuit in the BQ25504?
The cold start circuit allows the device to start operating with a minimum input voltage of 600 mV typical, to charge the VSTOR capacitor up to 1.8 V.
- Can the BQ25504 be used in wireless sensor networks?
Yes, the BQ25504 is well-suited for wireless sensor networks (WSN) due to its low power consumption and high efficiency.
