Dual MOSFET For Supercapacitor Balancing

The dual MOSFET helps balance supercapacitors, reduces power loss, and prevents failures in energy storage, backup power, and industrial systems.

Advanced Linear Devices Inc. (ALD), a developer of analog semiconductors, has introduced a dual MOSFET in its Supercapacitor Auto-Balancing (SAB) MOSFET family. This chip enables auto-balancing and power management for supercapacitors operating between 2.8V and 3.3V. The ALD910030 consumes minimal power for cell balancing and helps prevent failures. It supports utility boxes, backup power systems, industrial applications, uninterruptible power supplies, renewable energy, and consumer electronics.

The company claims that the product is used for series-connected supercapacitor cell leakage balancing, energy harvesting, long-term backup battery systems with supercapacitor outputs, and zero-power voltage dividers at selected voltages. It also supports matched current mirrors, current sources, zero-power mode maximum voltage limiting, and scaled supercapacitor stacks and arrays.

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Supercapacitors have voltage ratings between 2.7V and 3.0V, but the use of 3.3V supercapacitors has increased the need for voltage and leakage current balancing. ALD’s SAB MOSFET addresses this by balancing series-connected supercapacitors while dissipating near-zero leakage currents. Each unit is factory-trimmed to meet voltage requirements.

Supercapacitors are connected in series to reach voltage levels. For example, four 3.3V supercapacitors can be stacked to generate 13.2V, meeting the needs of a 12V direct current power supply while allowing for voltage changes.

The dual MOSFET monitors and controls voltage and leakage current for each supercapacitor in a series-connected stack. It adjusts drain currents to balance voltages and prevent power fluctuations. The MOSFET operates within a temperature range of -40°C to +85°C. ALD provides SAB MOSFETs for balancing supercapacitors from 1.6V to 3.0V or higher.

“We are proud to add a product to our SAB MOSFET family that provides power management for 3V rated or higher supercapacitors while consuming near-zero power,” said Robert Chao, president and founder of ALD. “This breakthrough chip exemplifies ALD’s commitment to technological leadership and innovation.”