September 26, 2019 by Luke James
Matrix Mercury DC/DC Boost Converters are ideal for deployment in circuits where the harvesting and management of surplus energy from low input voltage sources is required.
The Matrix DC/DC converter is the world's smallest energy harvesting boost converter with the highest conversion efficiency according to Matrix Industries.
The device has nanopower energy harvesting synchronous boost with microwatt cold-start, input impedance matching, and regulated output. It is available in a 10-lead, 3mm x 3mm DFN package and a 9-bump 12mm x 10mm WLP package.
Matrix Mercury DC/DC Boost Converter features patented transformer reuse topology that operates as a flyback converter and can run on input power as little as a few microwatts. An impedance matching feature prevents a constant impedance load and allows high-efficiency energy harvesting across a full range of input voltages.
Matrix's patented transformer reuse topology. Image courtesy of Matrix Industries.
Multiple input voltage options are available based on the transformer and the 8-bit-on-chip ADC is able to detect when voltage over current exceeds the pre-programmed limit. When this occurs, the input is switched off to ensure reliable operation. The measurement's result is then transmitted via a two-wire interface to a microcontroller.
Matrix Industries has stated that the Mercury DC-DC converter is poised to lead a new era of energy harvesting, a new high of efficiency for maximizing power transfer, and minimized power leakage with active input monitoring. These promises are delivered by the likes of VIN as low as 10mV (VOC=20mV, RIN =5Ω) to VOUT of up to 5V, up to 80% peak conversion efficiency, and Built-in VOC monitoring through an 8-bit ADC respectively.
The operating temperature of the DC/DC converter is -40°C to +85°C.
The Mercury DC-DC converter has several use cases.
Potential applications include remote sensors deployed in industrial sites, processes, and machinery, thermal energy harvesting, portable medical devices—including 'smart' and IoT-ready devices—consumer wearables such as smartwatches, smart meters, predictive maintenance, and building automation.
Matrix Industries is a Silicon Valley-based materials science innovator founded in 2011. The company is known for its solutions that radically change the power equation with hardware made for IoT and other wearable devices.
