An integrated boost converter with maximum power point tracking for solar photovoltaic energy harvesting
An integrated boost converter with maximum power point tracking for solar photovoltaic (PV) energy harvesting has been proposed. The maximum power point tracking (MPPT) function is realized with analog circuits, instead of using a microprocessor. In the proposed chip, the output power of the PV modules is controlled by modulating the on-time of the boost converter. The chip was designed and fabricated by using TSMC 0.18 μm 1P6M mixed-signal CMOS process. The total chip area is 1.08×1.25 mm2, which is much smaller than that with a microprocessor. The measured maximum tracking efficiency is 90%.