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

The AEM10941 Evaluation Board is a development platform designed to evaluate the performance of the AEM10941 energy harvesting power management IC from e-peas. This board enables users to test and optimize energy harvesting applications by providing a convenient interface for connecting energy sources, storage elements, and loads. The AEM10941 IC is specifically designed to extract energy from low-power sources such as photovoltaic cells, thermoelectric generators, or piezoelectric elements, and efficiently manage the harvested energy for powering low-power devices.

• IoT devices powered by energy harvesting
• Wearable electronics
• Wireless sensor networks
• Remote monitoring systems
• Battery-free or extended-lifetime devices

• Input Voltage Range: 50 mV to 5 V
• Cold Start Voltage: 380 mV (minimum input voltage required to start operation)
• Input Power Range: Up to 50 mW
• Output Voltage Options:
  • Configurable primary output: 1.8 V, 2.5 V, 3.3 V, or 4.1 V
  • Secondary output: 1.8 V (fixed)
• Quiescent Current: Ultra-low, enabling efficient energy harvesting
• Energy Storage: Supports supercapacitors or rechargeable batteries
• Operating Temperature Range: -40°C to +125°C

The AEM10941 Evaluation Board features several connectors and test points for easy integration and testing. Below is a table describing the key pins and connectors:

1. Connect the Energy Source: Attach your energy harvesting source (e.g., a solar panel or TEG) to the VIN connector. Ensure the source voltage is within the supported range (50 mV to 5 V).
2. Connect the Energy Storage Element: Attach a supercapacitor or rechargeable battery to the VBAT connector. This will store the harvested energy.
3. Configure the Output Voltage: Use the jumpers (JP1 and JP2) to set the desired primary output voltage (1.8 V, 2.5 V, 3.3 V, or 4.1 V).
4. Connect the Load: Attach your load to the VOUT1 and/or VOUT2 connectors. Ensure the load's power requirements are within the board's capabilities.
5. Monitor Performance: Use the test points to measure voltages and currents at various stages of the circuit for evaluation and optimization.

• Cold Start Requirements: Ensure the input source can provide at least 380 mV to initiate operation. Once started, the board can operate with input voltages as low as 50 mV.
• Energy Storage Selection: Choose an energy storage element with appropriate capacity and voltage ratings for your application. Supercapacitors are ideal for short-term storage, while rechargeable batteries are better for long-term use.
• Load Matching: Ensure the connected load does not exceed the output power capabilities of the board.
• Environmental Conditions: Operate the board within the specified temperature range (-40°C to +125°C) for optimal performance.

The AEM10941 Evaluation Board can be used to power an Arduino UNO in low-power applications. Below is an example code snippet to read a sensor value and transmit it via serial communication:

// Example: Reading a sensor value and transmitting via serial
// Ensure the AEM10941 Evaluation Board is configured to provide 3.3V or 5V
// to power the Arduino UNO.

const int sensorPin = A0; // Analog pin connected to the sensor
int sensorValue = 0;      // Variable to store the sensor reading

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

void loop() {
  sensorValue = analogRead(sensorPin); // Read the sensor value
  Serial.print("Sensor Value: ");      // Print label to serial monitor
  Serial.println(sensorValue);         // Print the sensor value
  delay(1000); // Wait for 1 second before the next reading
}

1. The board does not start operating.

   • Cause: The input voltage is below the cold start threshold (380 mV).
   • Solution: Ensure the energy source provides at least 380 mV to initiate operation.

2. Output voltage is not as expected.

   • Cause: Incorrect jumper configuration for the primary output voltage.
   • Solution: Verify the positions of JP1 and JP2 and set them according to the desired output voltage.

3. The load is not powered.

   • Cause: Insufficient energy stored in the supercapacitor or battery.
   • Solution: Allow more time for the energy storage element to charge before connecting the load.

4. The board overheats during operation.

   • Cause: Excessive input power or load current.
   • Solution: Ensure the input power and load current are within the board's specifications.

• Can I use a non-rechargeable battery with the AEM10941 Evaluation Board?

  • No, the board is designed to work with rechargeable batteries or supercapacitors only.

• What is the maximum power the board can handle?

  • The board can handle input power up to 50 mW.

• Can I use the board in outdoor environments?

  • Yes, but ensure the board is protected from moisture and extreme conditions beyond its operating temperature range.

• How do I monitor the energy harvesting performance?

  • Use the test points on the board to measure input/output voltages and currents with a multimeter or oscilloscope.