An integrated Boost Controller with MPPT for Submodule PV Applications

Proceedings of ESSCIRC, pp. 231–234

Abstract

This paper introduces a boost controller with Maximum-Power-Point-Tracking for photovoltaic submodule applications. The controller IC operates in 300 kHz constant frequency peak-current-mode control over a wide input voltage range from 7 V - 24 V at output voltages up to 50 V. The proposed solution includes a low-side- and a bootstrapped high-side driver delivering up to 2 A of gate current for external power MOSFETs. The presented design can handle PV-input power levels of up to 144 W. For light solar insolation, the converter operates in DCM and uses a variable current pulse height to reduce the switching frequency and minimize losses. The peak efficiency measures 98.4 %, whereas a Maximum-Power-Point tracking efficiency larger than 99.9 % is achieved. The current sense is based on a 10mΩ low-side sense resistor. During DCM, the inductor current waveform is emulated for precise high-side turn-off. The circuit has been fabricated in a 0.18 μm BCD process.

Authors 7

1. Michael Hanhart Aachen Chair of Integrated Analog Circuits and RF Systems

   RWTH Aachen University

   Affiliation as printed

   Chair of Integrated Analog Circuits and RF Systems RWTH Aachen University, Aachen, Germany

2. Leo Rolff Aachen Chair of Integrated Analog Circuits and RF Systems

   RWTH Aachen University

   Affiliation as printed

   Chair of Integrated Analog Circuits and RF Systems RWTH Aachen University, Aachen, Germany

3. Léon Weihs Aachen Chair of Integrated Analog Circuits and RF Systems

   RWTH Aachen University

   Affiliation as printed

   Chair of Integrated Analog Circuits and RF Systems RWTH Aachen University, Aachen, Germany

4. Jan Grobe Aachen Chair of Integrated Analog Circuits and RF Systems

   RWTH Aachen University

   Affiliation as printed

   Chair of Integrated Analog Circuits and RF Systems RWTH Aachen University, Aachen, Germany

5. Jonas Zoche Aachen Chair of Integrated Analog Circuits and RF Systems

   RWTH Aachen University

   Affiliation as printed

   Chair of Integrated Analog Circuits and RF Systems RWTH Aachen University, Aachen, Germany

6. Ralf Wunderlich Aachen Chair of Integrated Analog Circuits and RF Systems

   RWTH Aachen University

   Affiliation as printed

   Chair of Integrated Analog Circuits and RF Systems RWTH Aachen University, Aachen, Germany

7. Stefan J. Heinen Aachen Chair of Integrated Analog Circuits and RF Systems

   RWTH Aachen University

   Affiliation as printed

   Chair of Integrated Analog Circuits and RF Systems RWTH Aachen University, Aachen, Germany