PMIC featured in Xeelas’ solar-power tracking solution

13th November 2020

e-peas

Alex Lynn

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e-peas' AEM10941 power management IC (PMIC) has been designed into battery-less monitoring hardware from Dutch firm Xeelas. Covering a 50mV to 5V input voltage range and with an ultra-low power up (from just a 3µW input), the AEM10941 is optimised for photovoltaic-based energy harvesting deployments of this kind.

The IC can deliver two voltage-regulated outputs (1.2 to 1.8V and 1.8V to 4.1V). It is shipped in a compact 28-pin QFN package and needs only minimal peripheral components to accompany it.

The Xeelas Series S gateways, that include the AEM10941 PMICs, are intended for acquiring periodic data on the operational status of non-powered assets situated in remote locations. They will capture data from connected sensors and then transmit it to the cloud. Any issues that could cause malfunction may then be identified and responded to. Key uses for these gateway modules are in relation to diesel generators, fuel tanks, container units and various other kinds of mobile industrial assets. There are also prospects for them in waste management and smart agriculture.

The gateways have two solar panels. Through Xeelas’ pioneering approach to geolocation, which applies techniques employed in avionics, these panels are able to serve as GPS antennas in order to get a quick and accurate location fix. Cellular IoT (LTE-M and NB-IoT) plus GSM connectivity allow data transmission, as well as over-the-air updates. The first units have already be deployed in the field, with more currently in production.

“We looked at other power management solutions, but e-peas had by far the best specifications,” said Michaël Devid, CTO at Xeelas. “Their technology presented us with a much broader operating range than the competition could. This was of utmost importance, as our gateway modules must cover everything from very low light levels, potentially in shadowed areas, all the way to extremely bright summer conditions.

“The e-peas engineering team also provided exceptional service. They fully reviewed our implementation of the AEM10941 device and gave us tips to help enhance performance. We will be looking at other opportunities to utilise e-peas technology in the near future.”

“This is another great example of where we have proved our credentials, in terms of both our technology and the additional support that we can provide,” Christian Ferrier, CMO at e-peas, added. “It shows that we can offer the market a truly compelling and comprehensive package.”