Energy Harvesting IC Synchronization Interface
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current integrated circuits for energy harvesting are limited by their power range and lose excess power when the energy harvester supplies more power than the IC can handle, leading to inefficient operation.
Innovation Solution
The integrated circuit includes an interface circuit for exchanging signal information with external devices, allowing controlled switching between normal and power point tracking states based on trigger signals, enabling synchronized operation of multiple ICs to optimize power point evaluation and maximize energy harvesting efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If the IC operates in normal operation state with automatic power point tracking, then power extraction is continuous, but when energy harvester supplies excess power beyond IC capacity, power is lost and operation becomes inefficient
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements periodic switching between normal operation state and power point tracking state. During normal operation, power is continuously extracted. Periodically, the system enters power point tracking state to evaluate and adjust the operating point, then returns to normal operation. This periodic action allows the system to handle excess power from energy harvesters by temporarily suspending continuous extraction to optimize the operating point, thereby preventing power loss while maintaining overall productivity.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple ICs operate independently with automatic power point tracking, then each IC can optimize its own operation, but power point evaluation conditions become inconsistent leading to suboptimal energy harvesting
Solution Approach 1:
The system merges the operation of multiple independent ICs by introducing a master-slave architecture with synchronization. The master IC initiates power point tracking and controls the switching states, while slave ICs synchronize their states to the master. This combining approach ensures all ICs evaluate power points under identical conditions simultaneously, improving measurement precision while maintaining the adaptability of independent IC operation through the standardized synchronization protocol.
3Speed
If the IC switches automatically between operation states, then response time is fast, but synchronization with external devices and multiple ICs becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The system introduces an intermediary synchronization mechanism that mediates between automatic state switching and coordinated operation. The master IC acts as an intermediary by generating synchronization signals that trigger state transitions in slave ICs. This intermediary approach maintains fast response times through automated switching while enabling synchronization across multiple ICs and external devices through the standardized signal interface.
Data Source
AI summary
An integrated circuit (IC) for energy harvesting is provided. The IC includes a voltage converter for converting an input power into an output power and a power point tracker for determining a target voltage for regulating the input voltage of the voltage converter. The IC includes an interface circuit to exchange information between the controller of the IC and one or more additional IC's for energy harvesting. The controller of the IC is configured to enable switching to a normal operating state on condition that a trigger signal from the interface circuit changes from a first reference value to a second reference value. The controller is further configured for outputting a status signal to the interface circuit wherein the status signal indicates if the power point tracker is enabled or disabled.