CBC-EVAL-09 Datasheet

Product Discontinued - Not for New Designs
CBC-EVAL-09
EnerChip™ EP Universal Energy Harvester Eval Kit
Features
CBC-EVAL-09 is a universal energy harvesting (EH) evaluation kit that combines any one of multiple EH transducers
with the EnerChipTM EP CBC915 Energy Processor and the EnerChip CBC51100 100uAh solid state battery
module that has two 50µAh EnerChip solid state batteries connected in parallel. The purpose of this evaluation
platform is to enable designers to quickly develop Energy Harvesting applications. The EVAL-09 ships with a solar
cell for initial evaluation kit testing. A photo of CBC-EVAL-09 board is shown in Figure 1.
Solar
EnerChip
CBC51100
Module
EM/RF
Demo Kit
Interface
Power
Out
Thermal
Vibration
Figure 1: CBC-EVAL-09 Demo Kit - 5 x 2 inches
System Description
There are several new technology advances on the EVAL-09: the ability to use any type of EH transducer, the
EnerChip Energy Processor that uses high energy efficiency Maximum Peak Power Tracking algorithms, and
EnerChip Solid State Batteries for energy storage when the EH transducer is inactive.
DC In
Boost
Converter
Bridge
Rectifier
AC In
Low Voltage
Charge Pump
HV DC In
HV AC1 In
HV AC2 In
Bridge
Rectifiers
Flyback Down
Converter
Low Voltage
Charge Pump
VDD
VREG
Feedback
Energy
Processor
CBC915-AC
PWM
Vin
Sense
TXD
RXD
Energy Mgmt
Switching
VOUT
GND
Low Voltage
Battery Cutoff
EnerChip
CBC51100
Serial
I/O
Transducer Vin
Select & Sense
Figure 2: EnerChip CBC-EVAL-09 Demo Kit Block Diagram, with the CBC51100 EnerChip 100uAh Module
©2013-2014 Cymbet Corporation • Tel: +1-763-633-1780 • www.cymbet.com
DS-72-13 Rev H
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CBC-EVAL-09 EnerChip EP Universal EH Eval Kit
EVAL-09 Block Diagram Explanations
This section describes the EVAL-09 functional blocks shown in Figure 2.
DC IN - Energy Harvesting transducer input below 4.06V DC. Normally a photovoltaic cell.
AC IN - Energy Harvesting transducer input below 4.06V AC. An example might be an electromagnetic input from
a flow harvester.
HV DC IN - Energy Harvesting constant impedance transducer input from 4.06V DC to 20VDC. Normally a
photovoltaic cell or higher voltage thermoelectric generator.
HV AC1 IN and HV AC2 IN - Energy Harvesting transducer input from 4.06V DC to 20V AC. Normally a piezoelectric
vibrational harvester. A single input can be utilized on HV AC1. If two piezo electric beams are mechanically
coupled together in the same transducer unit, the two outputs can be connected to HV AC1 and HV AC2.
Bridge Rectifiers - Rectifies from AC to DC for AC In or HV AC IN.
Boost Converter - Boosts the DC In or AC IN voltage to 4.06 Volts.
Low Voltage Charge Pumps (2) - Used to start up the CBC915 Energy Processor.
Flyback Down Converter - Drop HV DC IN or HV AC1 IN/HV AC2 IN down to 4.06V.
Energy Processor - EnerChip EP CBC915-AC Energy Processor finds the Maximum Peak Power Tracking point of
the EH transducer input, To locate the version of the CBC915-AC device that is on the EVAL-09 look at the back
of the EVAL-09 board on the label. A letter indicator of A, B, etc. will be found there which indicates CBC915-ACA,
CBC915-ACB, etc. Functional details of each EnerChip EP version are documented in the Datasheet DS-72-15.
Transducer Input Voltage Select and Sense Switches - Monitors all input voltages and connects to the Energy
Processor.
EnerChip CBC51100 Solid State Battery Module - Two EnerChip 50uAh solid state batteries (CBC3150 and
CBC050) for energy storage.
Low Voltage Cut-off - Should the voltage on the EnerChips fall below 3.0VDC, this circuit disconnects the
batteries so they do not discharge further.
Energy Management Switching Matrix - Controls the routing of Vout to the system load. User selectable
switches indicate the EH transducer input to voltage output.
Serial I/O - These 2 communications lines connect the Energy Processor to another microcontroller such as the
TI MSP430 MCU on the eZ430-RF2500 demo kit wireless end device that would plug into connector J9.
©2013-2014 Cymbet Corporation • Tel: +1-763-633-1780 • www.cymbet.com
DS-72-13 Rev H
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CBC-EVAL-09 EnerChip EP Universal EH Eval Kit
CBC-EVAL-09 Module Connectors and Switches
J18
TP11
J19
TP4
TP10
J15
1
2
3
4
J17
O
N
J3
TP1
TP8
J4
1
SW1
SW2
1
2
3
4
J16
TP2
SW3
O
N
1
2
3
4
LEDs
S2
O
N
TP9
TP5
J12
EnerChip
1
CBC
U2
51100
J10
Module
TP3
TP7
J9
1
TP6
J7
Figure 3: EnerChip EVAL-09 Connections, Test Points and Switches
J18 Low Voltage DC Input
Test Points for User
J9 Connector for User
Pin Number(s)
Designation
TP Number
Designation
Pin Number(s)
1
Positive input
1
4.06V
1
RXD
2
GND
2
EPVCC
2
GND
3, 4, 5
GND
3
6
VCAP
Not
Connected
7
VOUT
4
8
VBAT
Not
Connected
5
9
VEC
VOUT
6
10
HV DC Vin
TXD
11
DC Vin
Connector Type: 2 pin 100mil
J19 Low Voltage AC Input
Pin Number(s)
Designation
1
AC input
2
AC input
Connector Type: 2 pin 100mil
J15 High Voltage DC Input
Pin Number(s)
Connector Type: Clip Lead
Designation
1
Positive input
2
GND
Connector Type: 2 pin 100mil
J16 High Voltage AC Input 1
Pin Number(s)
Designation
1
AC input 1
2
AC input 1
Connector Type: 2 pin 100mil
J17 High Voltage AC Input 2
J3 EnerChip EP Pins
Designation
Connector Type: Rt. Angle SIP
J10 Connector for User
Pin Number(s)
Designation
1
Pin Number(s)
Description
TXD
2
RXD
1-19
See CBC915
Datasheet
3
VBAT
4
GND
5
VOUT
Connector Type: Circular pad
J4 EnerChip EP Pins
Pin Number(s)
Description
20-38
See CBC915
Datasheet
Connector Type: Circular pad
Connector Type: Vertical SIP
J7 Connector - External Battery
Pin Number(s)
Description
1,2
Bypass Diode
Connector Type: Circular pad
Pin Number(s)
Designation
1
AC input 2
J12 Connector - External Battery
2
AC input 2
Pin Number(s)
Description
1
Vextbat input
2
GND
Connector Type: 2 pin 100mil
Connector Type: Circular pad
©2013-2014 Cymbet Corporation • Tel: +1-763-633-1780 • www.cymbet.com
DS-72-13 Rev H
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CBC-EVAL-09 EnerChip EP Universal EH Eval Kit
EVAL-09 Module Connector and Test Point Explanations
The purpose and use of the connectors identified in Figure 3 and in the previous tables are:
J1, J2, J8, J11, J13, J14 Connectors - not user accessible.
J3 Connector - EnerChip EP pins 1-19 probe points and access vias.
J4 Connector - EnerChip EP pins 20-38 probe points and access vias.
J5, J6 Connectors - EVAL-09 debug interface connectors for development system access. Contact Cymbet
Applications Engineering for additional details if required.
J7 Connector - Bypass diode circular pad trace to select an optional external rechargeable lithium battery
with 4.1V charging voltage.
J9 Connector - Six pin right angle connector for serial port, Vout and Ground. Normally used for connection to
TI eZ430-RF2500 wireless end device or another target system.
J10 Connector - Five pin vertical connector for user access to serial port, Vout and Ground.
J12 Connector - Access vias for an optional external rechargeable lithium battery with 4.1V charging voltage.
J15 Connector - High Voltage DC Input from EH Transducer such as a thermoelectric generator (TEG).
J16 Connector - High Voltage AC Input 1 normally used by a piezoelectric EH transducer.
J17 Connector - High Voltage AC Input 2 normally used by a piezoelectric EH transducer .
J18 Connector - Low voltage DC Input normally used by a photovoltaic cell.
J19 Connector - Low voltage AC Input normally used by a thermoelectric generator or electromagnetic
generator.
Cable Assembly - A 5-conductor cable with a header connector at each end is provided with CBC-EVAL-09 to
facilitate connection between the J5 connector and a 5-pin header on the user’s board.
TP1 - the output of the boost converter or FLYBACK converter capacitor. Typical value is 4.06V.
TP2 - EPVCC - Voltage used to power the CBC915 device should be 3.6V
TP3, TP3, TP5 - Ground
TP6 – VCAP – voltage of the output capacitor should be 3.6V
TP7– VOUT – output voltage to the target system should be 3.6V
TP8 – VBAT – output of battery cut-off circuit should be 4.06V
TP9 – VEC – EnerChip output voltage feeding battery cutoff circuit should be in the range of 4.06VDC to 3.0VDC. Caution: do not leave voltmeter or scope probes attached to this TP. Will discharge EnerChip.
TP10 – HV V In – DC voltage from the HV DC In or HV AC1 IN or HV AC2 IN ports
TP11 – V In – DC voltage from the DC In or AC1 IN ports
©2013-2014 Cymbet Corporation • Tel: +1-763-633-1780 • www.cymbet.com
DS-72-13 Rev H
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CBC-EVAL-09 EnerChip EP Universal EH Eval Kit
EVAL-09 Transducer Input Switch Settings
There are 3 DIP slider switches on the EVAL-09 for use in selecting the Energy Harvesting Transducer input to
the rest of the on-board circuitry. The location of the switches are shown on the EVAL-09 layout diagram shown
in Figure 3. There can be only one EH transducer attached to the EVAL-09 at any time. Combining transducer
inputs is not supported. SW1 dictates sequence of when the EnerChips are connected to VOUT - either the
EnerChip is charged prior to being connected to VOUT (SW1 ON), or the EnerChip is connected to VOUT prior
to being charged (SW1 OFF). In the following SW1 tables, if slide switch 1 is ON, it means the EnerChips are
charged prior to being connected to VOUT.
Photovoltaic (Solar) Cell Transducer Input Selection on J18
SW3
Slide #
OFF
SW2
SW1
ON
Slide #
OFF
ON
Slide #
OFF
ON
1
X
1
X
1
2
X
2
X
2
Not Used
3
X
3
X
3
X
4
X
4
X
4
X
EC CHGD
Not Used
Electromagnetic/RF Generator Transducer Input Selection on J19
SW3
Slide #
OFF
SW1
SW2
ON
Slide #
OFF
ON
ON
Slide #
OFF
1
X
1
X
1
2
X
2
X
2
3
X
3
X
3
X
4
X
4
X
4
X
EC CHGD
Not Used
Not Used
Thermoelectric Generator Transducer Input Selection on J18
SW3
Slide #
SW1
ON
Slide #
OFF
1
X
1
X
1
2
X
2
X
2
3
X
3
X
3
4
X
4
4
OFF
SW2
X
ON
Slide #
OFF
ON
EC CHGD
Not Used
Not Used
X
X
Piezoelectric Generator Transducer Input Selection on J16 and/or J17
SW3
Slide #
OFF
1
X
2
X
3
4
SW2
ON
Slide #
OFF
SW1
ON
Slide #
1
X
1
2
X
2
Not Used
X
3
X
3
X
X
4
X
4
OFF
ON
EC CHGD
Not Used
X
©2013-2014 Cymbet Corporation • Tel: +1-763-633-1780 • www.cymbet.com
DS-72-13 Rev H
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CBC-EVAL-09 EnerChip EP Universal EH Eval Kit
EVAL-09 Mode Inquiry Switch and LED Mode Indicators
A push button switch S2 as shown in Figure 3 is used to display the EVAL-09 energy conversion state and
charging status. There are 3 LEDs that indicate the 3 modes.
MPPT LED (MPPT) – Maximum Peak Power Tracking - Indicates the Energy Processor is adjusting the input impedance to match the transducer impedance. Any time the Energy Processor is performing the MPPT function,
the LED will flash momentarily (1 millisecond). The LED will be lit momentarily every time the Energy Processor
enters this state or when the push button is pressed. To force MPPT state, hold S2 while connecting the EH
transducer. When MPPT LED flashes, release push button switch S2. Target system MCU or SW1 changes can
also force MPPT.
Output Holding Cap Charge LED (CAP) – This indicates the capacitor used to hold output charge for the target
load is being charged. The CAP LED will be lit momentarily every time the Energy Processor enters this state on
its own, and in response to pressing S2 if in this state.
EnerChip Charge LED (EC) - This indicates the EnerChip devices are being charged and power is turned on to
the load. The LED will be lit momentarily every time the Energy Processor enters this state, and state indicates
the EnerChips are being charged, but the system is not yet in regulation (e.g., due to insufficient power being
available).
Charge Sequence Complete - Independent of the push button, once the Energy Processor has completed the
sequence of MPPT, Cap Charge and EnerChip Charge, all three LEDs will be flashed for 1 millisecond. In this
state, system is in regulation.
EVAL-09 Output Power Disconnect – In order to remove the output voltage from the target load, press switch
S2 and hold for 5 seconds. Initially all three LEDs will flash (if the system was in regulation), or the EC LED will
flash (if the system was out of regulation). After 5 seconds, Cap Charge and EC Charge LEDs will flash, indicating the output voltage has been disconnected. A momentary press of switch S2 will indicate state information
after the power has been disconnected from the load.
EVAL-09 Output Power Reconnect - In order apply output voltage to the target load, press switch S2 and hold
for 5 seconds. Initially all three LEDs will flash (if the system was in regulation), or the EC and MPPT LEDs will
flash (if the system was out of regulation). After 5 seconds, Cap Charge and EC Charge LEDS will flash, indicating the output voltage has been reconnected.
©2013-2014 Cymbet Corporation • Tel: +1-763-633-1780 • www.cymbet.com
DS-72-13 Rev H
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CBC-EVAL-09 EnerChip EP Universal EH Eval Kit
Note that during the time the S2 push button is depressed no power is passed from the EVAL--09 to the target
load. The following table provides a quick reference of the LED indicators and their meaning.
EC
LED
CAP
MPPT
MODE DESCRIPTION
Maximum peak power tracking active
Output holding capacitor is charging
EnerChip is charging
Normal operation; system in regulation
Output state change; flashes when S2 is held for 5 seconds
Output to load turned off; same as EnerChip charging
Output to load turned off; system in regulation
Suggested Energy Harvesting Transducers and Radios for the EVAL-09 Kit
Thermoelectric Generators (TEGs) - There are several vendors of thermoelectric generators. MicroPelt
model MPG-D651 or MPG-D671 have been verified with the CBC-EVAL-09. MicroPelt’s evaluation system is TEPower PLUS, described on www.micropelt.com and available at Mouser. Nextreme also supplies a small TEG,
model eTEG HV56 Power Generator. Contact Nextreme directly at www.nextreme.com.
Piezo Electric Generator - There are several vendors of piezoelectric generators. Mide piezo units V20W,
V25W, V21B, V21BL, and V22BL have been verified with the CBC-EVAL-09. Mide’s website is www.mide.com.
Another vendor is Advanced Cerametrics (ACI). Model numbers PFCB-W14, PFCB-W24, and PFCB-W54 will work
with the EVAL-09. ACI’s website is www.advancedcerametrics.com.
Alternate Energy Harvesting Generators - New solutions for harvesting ambient energy are emerging
from companies and universities worldwide. Please contact Cymbet Applications Engineering to discuss your
requirements.
Connecting EVAL-09 to Other Vendors’ Radio and Microcontroller Boards
Connectors J9 and J10 are designed to be connected to various microcontroller and radio boards from any of
several vendors. For proper operation in energy harvesting environments, it is often necessary to load special
firmware into the vendor’s target board.
Running the EVAL-09 with the Texas Instruments eZ430-RF2500 Demo Kit
The Cymbet EVAL-09 is designed to power the TI eZ430-RF2500 Wireless Demo Kit. The TI End Device (ED)
can be plugged into the EVAL-09 J9 Connector. The TI kit firmware in the Access Point (AP) that is inserted
into the PC USB port and the ED must be reprogrammed with new firmware to work properly with Energy
Harvesting-based power.
IMPORTANT PROCEDURE: You must read Cymbet Application Note AN-1040 that describes the TI
firmware download procedure. The TI firmware .zip file is located at http://www.cymbet.com/products/
datasheets-downloads.php.
Once the Access Point and End Device is reprogrammed and the PC Graphical User Interface software is
installed, an energy harvesting powered wireless sensor network can be investigated.
©2013-2014 Cymbet Corporation • Tel: +1-763-633-1780 • www.cymbet.com
DS-72-13 Rev H
Page 7 of 15
CBC-EVAL-09 EnerChip EP Universal EH Eval Kit
Operating Characteristics
Parameter
Condition
Typical
Max
Units
(1)
Input Luminous Intensity (DC In; using PV
panel provided)
Minimum operating Lux
-
-
Lux
Full charge rate
700 (1)
-
-
Lux
1000 Lux (FL), battery
not charging
-
350
-
µW
200 Lux (FL), battery not
charging
-
80
-
µW
source impedance 100Ω
to 200Ω
0.2
-
2.5
V
source impedance
>200Ω
0.5
-
4.0
V
source impedance 10kΩ
to 100kΩ
5.0
-
20
V
DC IN Open Circuit Turn-on Voltage
25°C
0.4
-
-
V
HV DC IN Open Circuit Turn-on Voltage
25°C
5.0
-
-
V
AC IN Operating Voltage at Transducer
Peak Power Point
source impedance 100Ω
to 10kΩ
1.2
-
12
Vpp
HV AC IN (1 and 2) Operating Voltage at
Transducer Peak Power Point
source impedance 10kΩ
to 100kΩ
14.7
-
57
Vpp
Boost converter on
-
20
-
µA
Boost converter off; EnerChips connected
-
800
-
nA
CBC915 off; EnerChips
connected
-
115
-
nA
Battery charged
3.5
3.55
3.6
V
25°C
-
4.06
-
V
4.7kΩ load
2.6
3.1
3.6
V
20 msec
-
30
-
mA
25°C
-
2.5
-
% per year
-
0
25
70
°C
Average Continuous Output Power
(measured at VOUT pin; using PV panel
provided)
DC IN Operating Voltage at Transducer
Peak Power Point
HV DC IN Operating Voltage at Transducer Peak Power Point
Quiescent Current
VOUT; 2 µA Load
VCHG Charging Voltage
Battery Cutoff Voltage
Pulse Discharge Current
Self-Discharge (non-recoverable average)
Operating Temperature
Recharge Cycles
(to 80% of rated
capacity; 4.1 V charge
voltage)
25°C
40°C
Min
200
10% depth-of-discharge
5000
-
-
-
50% depth-of discharge
1000
-
-
-
10% depth-of-discharge
2500
-
-
-
50% depth-of-discharge
500
-
-
-
-
10
-
minutes
-
50
-
minutes
100
-
-
µAh
Recharge Time (to 80% of rated 100µAh
capacity) (2)
From 50% state-of-charge
Capacity
100µA discharge; 25°C
From deep discharge
(1) Fluorescent (FL) light.
(2) Assuming charge rate is not limited by input power available from transducer.
Specifications subject to change without notice.
©2013-2014 Cymbet Corporation • Tel: +1-763-633-1780 • www.cymbet.com
DS-72-13 Rev H
Page 8 of 15
CBC-EVAL-09 EnerChip EP Universal EH Eval Kit
EVAL-09 Circuit Schematics
NC
NC
CBC51100
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DS-72-13 Rev H
Page 9 of 15
CBC-EVAL-09 EnerChip EP Universal EH Eval Kit
EVAL-09 Circuit Schematics
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DS-72-13 Rev H
Page 10 of 15
CBC-EVAL-09 EnerChip EP Universal EH Eval Kit
CBC-EVAL-09 Bill of Materials
The components on the EVAL-09 main board are as follows:
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DS-72-13 Rev H
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CBC-EVAL-09 EnerChip EP Universal EH Eval Kit
Pulse Discharge Current for a Wireless End Device
Pulse discharge currents place special demands on batteries. Repeated delivery of pulse currents exceeding
the recommended load current of a given chemistry will diminish the useful life of the cell. The effects can be
severe, depending on the amplitude of the current and the particular cell chemistry and construction. Pulse
currents of tens of milliAmperes are common in wireless sensor systems during transmit and receive modes.
Moreover, the internal impedance of the cell often results in an internal voltage drop that precludes the cell
from delivering the pulse current at the voltage necessary to operate the external circuit.
This important issue is covered in Cymbet Applications note AN-1025 available on cymbet.com.
Battery Protection
The EVAL-09 board contains a low battery cutoff circuit that prevents the EnerChips on the CBC51100 module
from being completely discharged - a condition that would permanently damage the battery. The cutoff circuit
places a parasitic 400nA load on the battery - a load that would discharge the two EnerChips in approximately
125 hours, or just over 5 days. If the EnerChips are allowed to reach the cutoff voltage at such low discharge
currents, their specified cycle life will be reached after a few hundred of such deep discharge cycles. To
avoid this condition and extend the service life of the EnerChip, it is advisable to program the MCU to count
transmission cycles or elapsed time to determine when the EnerChips’ state-of-charge is approximately 50%,
at which time the MCU would force itself or another system circuit element to briefly draw high power from the
CBC-EVAL-09, forcing the CBC-EVAL-09 circuit into a cutoff mode and thereby disconnecting the EnerChips from
the circuit. Drawing a brief burst of a few milliamperes from the CBC-EVAL-09 will force the cutoff condition
to occur within a few seconds. This will ensure that the charge/discharge cycle life of the EnerChips will be
greater than 5000, as rated. To calculate the number of hours the EnerChips are capable of supplying energy
to the load, add the cutoff current to the average load current drawn by the system and divide the sum into
the combined 100µAh capacity of the two EnerChips. The quotient is the number of hours until the EnerChip is
totally depleted. Divide that number in half to reach the 50% depth-of-discharge time.
Guidelines for Attaching Other Energy Harvesting Transducers
Other energy harvesting transducers (e.g., inductive, piezoelectric, thermoelectric) may be attached to the CBCEVAL-09. As configured, the CBC-EVAL-09 will operate with many other transducer types. However, performance
specifications of these other transducers - namely output impedance - will affect the power conversion
efficiency of the CBC-EVAL-09 kit as designed. Please contact Cymbet Applications Engineering at the phone
number shown below to discuss your specific application and desired alternate transducer(s).
System Level Considerations when Using a Low Power Energy Harvester
The EVAL-09 is capable of supplying 10s to 100s of µW of continuous power to the load. Most applications
operating with radios and microcontrollers typically need 10s to 100s of mW of power under peak load
conditions. The disparity between what is available and what is needed can be made up by limiting the
amount of time the load is powered and waiting sufficient time for the energy harvester to replenish the energy
storage device before the subsequent operation commences. In typical remote RF sensor applications, the
‘on’ time will be on the order of 5-20ms, with an ‘off’ time of several seconds to several hours depending on
the application and available energy source. The duty cycle is an important consideration when designing a
wireless system. While it is relatively straightforward to calculate a power budget and design a system to work
within the constraints of the power and energy available, it is easy to overlook the power required to initialize
the system to a known state and to complete the radio link with the host system or peer nodes in a mesh
network. The initialization phase can sometimes take two to three times the power needed for steady state
operation.
Ideally, the hardware should be in a low power state when the system power-on reset is in its active state. If
this is not possible, the microcontroller should place the hardware in a low power state as soon as possible.
After this is done, the microcontroller should be put into a sleep state long enough for the energy harvester
©2013-2014 Cymbet Corporation • Tel: +1-763-633-1780 • www.cymbet.com
DS-72-13 Rev H
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CBC-EVAL-09 EnerChip EP Universal EH Eval Kit
to replenish the energy storage device. If the power budget is not exceeded during this phase, the system
can continue with its initialization. Next, the main initialization of the system, radio links, analog circuits, and
so forth, can begin. Care should be taken to ensure that the time the system is on during this phase does
not exceed the power budget. Several sleep cycles might be needed to ‘stair step’ the system up to its main
operational state. The EnerChip EP CBC915-ACA Energy Processor has a serial port to communicate to a
microcontroller when energy is available.
Circuit Recommendations to Save Power
In most system power budgets, the peak power required is not as critical as the length of time the power
is required. Careful selection of the message protocol for the RF link can have a significant impact on the
overall power budget. In many cases, using higher power analog circuits that can be turned on, settle quickly,
and be turned off can decrease the overall energy consumed. Microcontroller clock frequency can also have
a significant impact on the power budget. In some applications it might be advantageous to use a higher
microcontroller clock frequency to reduce the time the microcontroller and peripheral circuits are active. Avoid
using circuits that bias microcontroller digital inputs to mid-level voltages; this can cause significant amounts
of parasitic currents to flow. Use 10MΩ to 22MΩ pull-up/down resistors where possible. However, be aware
that high circuit impedances coupled with parasitic capacitance can make for a slow rise/fall time that can
place the voltage on the microcontroller inputs at mid-levels, resulting in parasitic current flow. One solution to
the problem is to enable the internal pull-up/down resistor of the microcontroller input to force the input to a
known state, then disable the resistor when it’s time to check the state of the line. If using the microcontroller’s
internal pull-up/down resistors on the inputs to bias push-button switches in a polled system, leave the pull-up/
down resistor disabled and enable the resistor only while checking the state of the input port. Alternatively, in
an interrupt-driven system, disable the pull-up/down resistor within the first few instructions in the interrupt
service routine. Enable the pull-up/down resistor only after checking that the switch has been opened.
Microcontroller pull-up/down resistors are typically less than 100kΩ and will be a huge load on the system if
left on continuously while a button is being pressed or if held for any significant length of time. For even greater
reduction in power, use external pull-up/down resistors in the 10MΩ to 22MΩ range. Bias the external resistor
not with the power rail but with a microcontroller port. The same algorithm used for internal pull-up/down
resistors can then be used to save power. The CHARGE line on the CBC5301 has a 10MΩ pull-up resistor with
a very slow rise time. Use an internal microcontroller pull-down resistor to force the CHARGE line low all of the
time and then disable the pull-down resistor to check the state of the line. This will keep the CHARGE line from
biasing the input at mid level for long periods of time which could case large parasitic currents to flow.
Using the CBC915 Serial Communications Port on the EVAL-09
One of the key features on the CBC915 Energy Processor is the ability to communicate between the CBC915
and the system-level Microcontroller. The information provided over this serial communications port enables
systems to become “Energy Aware”. The Commands/Responses and data fields are detailed in the CBC915
datasheet DS-72-15. The CBC915 serial port on the EVAL-09 as shown in the schematic, is accessible either
on J9 Pin 1 is RXD, pin 6 is TXD, or on J10 Pin 2 is RXD, pin 1 is TXD. The serial I/O UART is configured as 9600
Bits per second, 8 bits, no parity bit, 1 stop bit. 9600 8N1.
To connect the EVAL-09 serial port to a newer version PC that does not have a serial port, a USB to TTL adapter
should be used. There are versions of these adapters available at many electronics distributors such as the
Pololu USB-to-serial adapter. Please note that there are 10 MΩ resistors R18 and R19 on the RXD and TXD
lines to protect the CBC915 from ESD damage. In order to use some USB to TTL adapters, these resistors may
need to be shorted for proper communications operation.
©2013-2014 Cymbet Corporation • Tel: +1-763-633-1780 • www.cymbet.com
DS-72-13 Rev H
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CBC-EVAL-09 EnerChip EP Universal EH Eval Kit
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: A:
Do I have enough input power from the EH transducer to charge the EnerChip batteries?
The CBC915 energy processor is initially started with charge pump U3 in piezo mode or U4 when
in low voltage mode and accumulates enough charge into the CPOUT capacitors to then dump this
charge in to the CBC915 VCC line. This action can be monitored on TP2 (EPVCC) test point. The voltage
will typically be around 2.5 volts and last for a few seconds if there is sufficient energy to operate
the charge pump, but not enough energy to run the CBC915 energy processer. If there is sufficient
energy to sustain the CBC915 energy processor, the TP2 voltage will start up at 2.5V and then jump
up to approximately 3.5V. At this point the MPPT LED will flash indicating the CBC915 is entering the
Maximum Peak Power Tracking state. Checking TP1 4.06V for a voltage near 4.06 Volts while the
energy processer is finding the MPP point will also give an indication if sufficient power is available.
Q: A: What if I short-circuit the output?
The disconnect circuit will disconnect the EnerChip devices from the output after the capacitor is discharged below 3.0V. This prevents the EnerChips from being discharged too deeply. The EnerChip device will automatically reconnect after the capacitor is recharged.
Q: A: What happens if I want to run a larger pulse current application?
See application note AN-1025. The EVAL-09 output capacitor bank can be sized to drive almost any load as long as the duration is not too long. AN-1025 describes how to calculate the capacitor size.
Q: A: What happens if the EnerChip is short-circuited? Will it explode or leak harmful chemicals?
No. There are no harmful chemicals to leak and the energy storage cells will not explode.
Q: A: How long will the CBC-EVAL-09 module operate with no ambient light?
This depends on many factors, including load power consumption, EnerChip state-of-charge, operating temperature, etc. The EnerChips on the CBC51100 module provide 100µAh of discharge capacity when fully charged.
Q: How long will the CBC-EVAL-09 module last if I use it every day and input power is available most of the time?
A: The CBC-EVAL-09 module should last at least 10 years.
Q: How long will the two EnerChips on the CBC51100 module hold a charge, assuming no input power?
A: The self-discharge of the EnerChip is a function of several parameters, including temperature. Self-
discharge specifications can be found in the product data sheets at http://www.cymbet.com/content/
products-resource-docs.asp.
Q: A: What happens if the EnerChip is left in a discharged state for a long period of time?
Leaving the EnerChip in a discharged state is not detrimental to its performance.
Q:
A:
I see no voltage on VOUT.
Make sure there is sufficient input power to operate the CBC3150 charge pump and that the output is not short-circuited.
Q: A: Will the CBC-EVAL-09 disconnect the EnerChips before they become too deeply depleted?
Yes, the CBC-EVAL-09 has a cutoff circuit that will prevent the EnerChips from being damaged due to over-discharge. However, repeatedly operating the system in a mode that allows the cutoff
circuit to be invoked at deep discharge will cause premature capacity fade and shorter product life. If it is anticipated that the low voltage cutoff point will be reached, it is better to put the system into a high power mode to force cutoff at a higher state-of-charge, thereby prolonging the life of the EnerChips.
©2013-2014 Cymbet Corporation • Tel: +1-763-633-1780 • www.cymbet.com
DS-72-13 Rev H
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CBC-EVAL-09 EnerChip EP Universal EH Eval Kit
Q:
A:
How can the EVAL-09 startup time be reduced and the time it takes the CBC915 to find the maximum peak power point?
The EVAL-09 utilizes a Seiko S-882Z24-M5T1G charge pump to accumulate energy at startup and then
dumps this energy into the CBC915 energy processor. Once the CBC915 starts up, it automatically disables the Seiko charge pump and operates a more efficient inductive boost converter. Another approach to start the CBC915 when energy is available, is to pre-charge the on-board EnerChips
and then use the base of an NPN bipolar transistor to sense when input voltage is available and tie
the collector of the transistor into the cutoff circuit as a wired OR. When energy is available from the
energy harvesting transducer, the transistor will turn on and cause energy stored in the EnerChips to
initially power the CBC915 energy processor. This approach has the advantage of being “instant on”,
but requires a board-level manufacturing process that can pre-charge the EnerChips and requires a
transducer to have a minimum of one forward PN junction voltage before the transistor will turn on.
The charge pump method operates at a lower voltage but in the case of piezo electric transducers has
a large impedance mismatch between the piezo element and the input into the charge pump so it can
take a long time (several minutes) before enough charge is accumulated to dump into the CBC915
energy processor.
The length of time the CBC915 takes to find the maximum peak power point is largely influenced by
the stability of the input signal generated by the energy harvesting transducer. Mechanical transducers
tend to have the most electrical input noise and consequently take the most time for the CBC915
to find the maximum peak power point. Take steps to reduces noise such as filter capacitors in the
several thousand microfarad range. After the first time the CBC915 finds the maximum peak power
point, the coefficients used to find the point are stored in memory. The next time the CBC915 is
powered up it will use the coefficients and not try to find the maximum peak power point again unless
the system falls out of voltage regulation or is commanded to find the maximum peak power point by
the application circuit microcontroller.
Ordering Information - Products Discontinued and Not Available
EnerChip Part Number
Description
Notes
CBC-EVAL-09
EnerChip Universal Energy
Harvesting Demo Kit
EnerChip EP Energy Processor
Contains Solar Cell and
CBC51100 Module
Packaged in Tape and Reel or
Tubes
Packaged in Tape and Reel or
Tubes
Packaged in Tape and Reel or
Tubes
PV cell can be purchased
separately at Distributors
CBC915-ACA or
CBC915-ACB
CBC050-M8C
CBC3150-D9C
CBC-PV-02N
EnerChip 50uAh Solid State
Battery
EnerChip CC 50uAh Solid State
Battery with Charge Control
EVAL-09 Photovoltaic Cell with two
lead wires - no connector
U.S. Patents 7,956,572 and 8,144,508. Additional U.S. and Foreign Patents Pending
Disclaimer of Warranties; As Is
The information provided in this data sheet is provided “As Is” and Cymbet Corporation disclaims all representations or warranties of any
kind, express or implied, relating to this data sheet and the Cymbet battery product described herein, including without limitation, the
implied warranties of merchantability, fitness for a particular purpose, non-infringement, title, or any warranties arising out of course of
dealing, course of performance, or usage of trade. Cymbet battery products are not authorized for use in life critical applications. Users
shall confirm suitability of the Cymbet battery product in any products or applications in which the Cymbet battery product is adopted for
use and are solely responsible for all legal, regulatory, and safety-related requirements concerning their products and applications and any
use of the Cymbet battery product described herein in any such product or applications.
Cymbet, the Cymbet Logo and EnerChip are trademarks of Cymbet Corporation. All Rights Reserved
©2013-2014 Cymbet Corporation • Tel: +1-763-633-1780 • www.cymbet.com
DS-72-13 Rev H
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