#Japan #Tokyo #Energy Harvesting #Asahi Kasei #AP4413

Introduction

Asahi Kasei Electronics, headquartered in Chiyoda, Tokyo, has officially launched the AP4413 series, a charge control integrated circuit (IC) designed for small secondary batteries utilized in energy harvesting applications. This production is set to commence in February 2025, supporting the growing demand for sustainable electronic solutions.

Product Features

The AP4413 series incorporates an innovative ultra-low power voltage monitoring function, presenting a unique advantage in environments where energy harvesting—especially from unstable sources like indoor light—is essential. This ensures that the system remains functional even when powering from secondary batteries that are nearing complete discharge, allowing for rapid system recovery.

Historically, applications requiring low power consumption often relied on disposable batteries, such as coin cells and alkaline batteries. With this groundbreaking charge control IC, the need for battery replacements and charging activities is eliminated, paving the way for a new era of cleaner energy solutions.

What is Energy Harvesting?

Energy harvesting refers to the technology that converts ambient energy sources, such as light, vibration, heat, and radio waves, into electrical power. The AP4413 series leverages this concept specifically for small rechargeable batteries that can autonomously recharge using environmental energy.

This technology addresses two critical aspects: the convenience of not requiring human intervention for charging and the paramount objective of reducing environmental impact, aligning with regulatory compliance. Applications such as smart remote controls, Bluetooth tags, and environmental sensors are expected to flourish in this innovative ecosystem.

Regulatory Context

Recent regulations in Europe, namely the Battery Regulation (EU 2023/1542), introduced in August 2023, emphasize the elimination of single-use batteries. This paves the way for a more widespread adoption of rechargeable batteries, further catalyzing the transition toward more sustainable energy solutions.

Asahi Kasei has a strong foundation in developing and mass-producing energy harvesting power ICs, amassing significant technical expertise and application insights over time. With unstable power levels prevalent in energy harvesting, minimizing power loss within the charge control IC itself is imperative, in addition to managing the stress placed on secondary batteries due to overcharging or deep discharging.

Technical Specifications

The AP4413 series boasts an exceptionally low self-consumption current of just 52 nA, achieving an impressive charging efficiency of 94.8% at a current of 1 µA. This design not only minimizes power loss but also significantly enhances charging efficiency. The IC offers different voltage settings tailored to various types of secondary batteries, ensuring compatibility and optimal performance.

In scenarios where a secondary battery is completely discharged, the AP4413 can first store power in an external capacitor before supplying it back to the system. This functionality enables the system to operate while concurrently recharging the depleted secondary battery, ensuring seamless performance.

Conclusion

The launch of the AP4413 series marks a pivotal development in the field of energy harvesting technology. With its potential to revolutionize low-power consumption applications and significantly reduce environmental impact, it stands at the forefront of sustainable innovation. As the world shifts towards greener practices and technologies, Asahi Kasei Electronics remains committed to leading the charge in transforming how we think about power generation and usage.

For further details on the AP4413 series and its applications, please visit Asahi Kasei's Product Page.

For insights into other environmental power generation solutions by Asahi Kasei, check out their comprehensive overview here.