Mercury DC/DC Boost Converters harvest energy from TEGs

MATRIX Industries’ Mercury is a family of highly integrated DC/DC boost converters that are ideal for harvesting and managing surplus energy from extremely low input voltage sources such as TEGs (thermoelectric generators) and thermopiles. The patented transformer reuse topology works as a flyback converter and can operate from input power of as little as a few microwatts. The unique impedance matching feature presents a constant impedance load and enables the highest efficiency energy harvesting across the entire operating range of input voltages.

Features

• V_IN as low as 10 mV (V_OC=20 mV, R_IN=5 Ω) to V_OUT of up to 5 V
• V_IN as low as 6 mV (V_OC=12 mV, R_IN=5 Ω) to V_OUT of 3 V
• Ultra-low quiescent current of 700 nA ensures the fastest possible charge times of the output reservoir capacitor
• Cold-start with V_OC=16 mV (RIN=5 Ω, 1:100 transformer)
• Up to 80% peak conversion efficiency
• Near-ideal impedance matching with input source
• Built-in V_OC monitoring through an 8-bit ADC
• True shutdown by disconnecting output when V_OC is below startup requirement securing zero power leakage
• Three external components are required: input capacitor, output capacitor, and transformer
• Optional Schottky diode for efficiency improvement
• Compact WLP package available

There are multiple input protection voltage options available based on the ratio of the transformer. The 8-bit on-chip ADC detects when V_OC exceeds the programmed limit and turns off the input to ensure reliable operation. The result of the measurement is transmitted via a two-wire interface to a microcontroller. The converter is available in maximum output voltages from 2 V to 5 V. Integrated V_OUT regulation prevents voltage overshoot, securing reliable operation with various battery types.