Targeted for solar powered wireless modules, the MAS6011 solar cell energy harvesting system manager IC from Micro Analog Systems monitors the supply voltage and charging of a battery-powered system containing a small solar cell. The current consumption of the IC is just 110nA allowing the system to charge from very low light conditions and stay in power-down mode for years. Using a large solar cell to charge a battery in limited light conditions can destroy the battery due to over-voltage during strong sunlight. This IC securely protects a secondary 3V battery over a range of light strengths. Switching levels have been designed for use with rechargeable 3V Lithium Vanadium (VL-type) batteries which have very high energy compared to more traditional batteries. The IC can be used in wireless sensor modules, GPS modules, electronic locks, watches as well as energy harvesting systems.
