Clare Inc. (Beverly, MA) announced the immediate availability of the CPC1810 solar cell product and the introduction of a new solar cell technology. The CPC1810 solar cell is activated by either natural sunlight or artificial light and produces a floating source voltage, up to 7.5V and current output of 12µA. Initial samples are packaged in a four-pin TO-39 can with a clear surface for light transmission. Additional package options will be available in the near future as well as individual die or whole wafers.
The solar cell SOI technology is scalable. Clare is currently developing additional solar cell products for higher voltages and currents that different applications require. An entire family of parts ranging from 2V to 30V with a variety of output currents will soon be introduced. Additionally, since there is electrical isolation between circuit elements on the photovoltaic die, it is possible to add other power management circuitry or logic control options with minimal added cost to the product.
The CPC1810 replaces discrete component solutions while offering the advantages of semiconductor miniature size and reliability. The CPC1810 solar cell is suitable for use in a variety of applications, including solar battery chargers, battery-operated equipment, portable electronics, consumer applications, off-grid installation, wireless sensors and detectors, self-powered sunlight/light detection, and remote installation products. It can provide trickle charge to battery-operated systems, increasing battery life, and preventing total discharge, or non-operation due to battery drain.
