CBC-EVAL-09 EnerChip EP Universal EH Eval Kit
Frequently Asked Questions
Q:
Do I have enough input power from the EH transducer to charge the EnerChip batteries?
The CBC915 energy processor is initially started with charge pump U3 in piezo mode or U4 when
in low voltage mode and accumulates enough charge into the CPOUT capacitors to then dump this
charge in to the CBC915 VCC line. This action can be monitored on TP2 (EPVCC) test point. The voltage
will typically be around 2.5 volts and last for a few seconds if there is sufficient energy to operate
the charge pump, but not enough energy to run the CBC915 energy processer. If there is sufficient
energy to sustain the CBC915 energy processor, the TP2 voltage will start up at 2.5V and then jump
up to approximately 3.5V. At this point the MPPT LED will flash indicating the CBC915 is entering the
Maximum Peak Power Tracking state. Checking TP1 4.06V for a voltage near 4.06 Volts while the
energy processer is finding the MPP point will also give an indication if sufficient power is available.
A:
Q:
A:
What if I short-circuit the output?
The disconnect circuit will disconnect the EnerChip devices from the output after the capacitor is
discharged below 3.0V. This prevents the EnerChips from being discharged too deeply. The EnerChip
device will automatically reconnect after the capacitor is recharged.
Q:
A:
What happens if I want to run a larger pulse current application?
See application note AN-1025. The EVAL-09 output capacitor bank can be sized to drive almost any
load as long as the duration is not too long. AN-1025 describes how to calculate the capacitor size.
Q:
A:
What happens if the EnerChip is short-circuited? Will it explode or leak harmful chemicals?
No. There are no harmful chemicals to leak and the energy storage cells will not explode.
Q:
A:
How long will the CBC-EVAL-09 module operate with no ambient light?
This depends on many factors, including load power consumption, EnerChip state-of-charge, operating
temperature, etc. The EnerChips on the CBC51100 module provide 100µAh of discharge capacity
when fully charged.
Q:
A:
How long will the CBC-EVAL-09 module last if I use it every day and input power is available most of the
time?
The CBC-EVAL-09 module should last at least 10 years.
Q:
A:
How long will the two EnerChips on the CBC51100 module hold a charge, assuming no input power?
The self-discharge of the EnerChip is a function of several parameters, including temperature. Self-
discharge specifications can be found in the product data sheets at http://www.cymbet.com/content/
products-resource-docs.asp.
Q:
A:
What happens if the EnerChip is left in a discharged state for a long period of time?
Leaving the EnerChip in a discharged state is not detrimental to its performance.
Q:
A:
I see no voltage on VOUT.
Make sure there is sufficient input power to operate the CBC3150 charge pump and that the output is
not short-circuited.
Q:
A:
Will the CBC-EVAL-09 disconnect the EnerChips before they become too deeply depleted?
Yes, the CBC-EVAL-09 has a cutoff circuit that will prevent the EnerChips from being damaged due to
over-discharge. However, repeatedly operating the system in a mode that allows the cutoff
circuit to be invoked at deep discharge will cause premature capacity fade and shorter
product life. If it is anticipated that the low voltage cutoff point will be reached, it is better to
put the system into a high power mode to force cutoff at a higher state-of-charge, thereby prolonging
the life of the EnerChips.
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