In order to simplify the design of PV (photovoltaic) systems, National Semiconductor has introduced 10 SolarMagic ICs. The ICs are suitable for PV electronic applications, including those found in micro inverters, power optimisers, charge controllers and panel safety systems. The ICs meet photovoltaic renewable energy-grade qualification requirements and are engineered specifically for demanding rooftop environments. The ICs provide high voltage and high current gate drive for micro inverter or power optimiser designs. For distributed PV power optimisation applications providing MPPT (maximum power point tracking), the company offers the SM72441 and SM72442 programmable MPPT controllers. The MPPT features voltage and current diagnostics, integrated four switch buck-boost converter control, over-voltage and over-current protection and an I²C interface. For power processing circuitry in power optimisers, microinverters and charge controllers, the company offers the SM72295 full-bridge and SM72482 dual 5A compound gate drivers. The drivers can drive four discrete MOSFETs in a full-bridge configuration and each includes a high side over-current sense amplifier with high sink and source current capabilities.
