How to Use AEM10941 mini Evaluation Board: Examples, Pinouts, and Specs

The AEM10941 mini Evaluation Board is a compact and versatile platform designed to evaluate the performance of the AEM10941M energy harvesting IC, manufactured by e-peas. This board enables users to efficiently convert energy from ambient sources, such as solar panels or thermoelectric generators, into usable power for low-power electronic applications. It is ideal for prototyping and testing energy harvesting solutions in IoT devices, wireless sensors, and other battery-independent systems.

• IoT devices powered by solar or thermal energy
• Wireless sensor networks
• Wearable electronics
• Remote monitoring systems
• Battery-free or battery-assisted devices

• Input Voltage Range: 50 mV to 5 V
• Output Voltage (Primary): Configurable to 1.8 V, 2.5 V, 3.3 V, or 4.1 V
• Output Voltage (Secondary): Fixed at 1.8 V
• Cold Start Voltage: 380 mV (minimum input voltage required to start operation)
• Quiescent Current: Ultra-low, enabling efficient energy harvesting
• Energy Storage: Supports supercapacitors or rechargeable batteries
• Maximum Power Point Tracking (MPPT): Configurable for optimal energy harvesting
• Dimensions: Compact form factor for easy integration

The AEM10941 mini Evaluation Board features several key pins and connectors for input, output, and configuration. Below is a detailed description:

1. Connect the Energy Source: Attach a solar panel, thermoelectric generator, or other energy source to the VIN and GND pins.
2. Configure MPPT: Set the MPPT ratio using the MPPT pin to match the characteristics of your energy source. For example:
   • Use a resistor divider or external circuit to set the desired MPPT voltage.
3. Select Output Voltage: Configure the primary output voltage (VOUT1) using the CFG pin. Refer to the datasheet for specific resistor values or jumper settings.
4. Connect Energy Storage: Attach a supercapacitor or rechargeable battery to the VBAT pin to store harvested energy.
5. Connect the Load: Attach your low-power device to the VOUT1 and/or VOUT2 pins.

• Ensure the input voltage is within the specified range (50 mV to 5 V) for proper operation.
• Use a high-quality energy storage element to maximize efficiency and reliability.
• When configuring MPPT, match the ratio to the energy source's maximum power point for optimal performance.
• Avoid exceeding the maximum output current of the board to prevent damage.

The AEM10941 mini Evaluation Board can be used to power an Arduino UNO in low-power applications. Below is an example of how to connect and use the board:

1. Connect a small solar panel to the VIN and GND pins.
2. Attach a supercapacitor to the VBAT pin for energy storage.
3. Set the CFG pin to output 3.3 V on VOUT1.
4. Connect the VOUT1 pin to the Arduino UNO's 3.3 V input pin.

// Example code to read a sensor and send data via serial
// Powered by the AEM10941 mini Evaluation Board

void setup() {
  Serial.begin(9600); // Initialize serial communication at 9600 baud
  pinMode(A0, INPUT); // Set A0 as input for sensor reading
}

void loop() {
  int sensorValue = analogRead(A0); // Read the sensor value from pin A0
  float voltage = sensorValue * (3.3 / 1023.0); // Convert to voltage (3.3V reference)
  
  // Print the sensor value and voltage to the serial monitor
  Serial.print("Sensor Value: ");
  Serial.print(sensorValue);
  Serial.print(" | Voltage: ");
  Serial.println(voltage);
  
  delay(1000); // Wait for 1 second before the next reading
}

1. The board does not start harvesting energy.

   • Ensure the input voltage is at least 380 mV for cold start.
   • Verify the energy source is properly connected to the VIN and GND pins.

2. Output voltage is incorrect or unstable.

   • Check the configuration of the CFG pin to ensure the correct output voltage is set.
   • Verify the energy storage element is properly connected and functioning.

3. The load is not receiving power.

   • Ensure the load's power requirements do not exceed the board's output capabilities.
   • Check all connections for proper contact and secure attachment.

4. MPPT is not functioning as expected.

   • Verify the MPPT ratio is correctly configured for the energy source.
   • Consult the datasheet for recommended MPPT settings for specific sources.

• Use a multimeter to measure input and output voltages at various points in the circuit.
• Refer to the AEM10941M datasheet for detailed configuration and performance guidelines.
• If issues persist, contact e-peas technical support for assistance.