Webcast addresses green power conversion

Analog eLab webcast covers "New design concepts in a power stage for solar- or fuel-cell applications".

Texas Instruments and Avnet Electronics Marketing Americas will present a live Analog eLab webcast for designers entitled "New design concepts in a power stage for solar- or fuel-cell applications" on Wednesday 11th April 2007, at 1700 BST.

The webcast will highlight new options for generating operating voltage supplies from very low-voltage sources.

During the webcast, TI analogue expert Bill Klein, PE, and eLab panellists Toshiyuki (Rick) Zaitsu of TI and Angela Suen of Avnet will discuss new ways of thinking about circuit design and how the latest generation of synchronous boost convertors can be implemented to achieve successful results.

Engineers are invited to register for the one-hour session via the TI website.

DC/DC boost convertors that operate at input voltages lower than 0.3V with high efficiency can be incorporated into new and innovative applications powered by single-cell solar or micro-fuel cells.

One example that will be highlighted during the webcast is a built-in solar-powered cellphone charger that provides exceptional standby time.

This single-cell solar design eliminates the need for multiple-solar cells in series and the required protection circuitry.

Another benefit of designing with extremely low input operating voltage is the elimination of many of the problems encountered when operating from single-cell alkaline, NiCd or MiNh batteries that are commonly used to power anything from toys to portable medical devices.

During the lab session, the panellists will demonstrate how the boost convertor's unique features enable low-voltage operation to extend battery life.

Viewers will be shown techniques for overcoming the challenges of low-voltage inputs, such as pass-load conditions and start-up capability, to provide longer operating time in end equipment.

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