LINEAR LTC3108 User Guide
Summary
This technical guide explores the implementation of ultralow voltage energy harvesting for battery-free wireless sensor nodes. It details the use of the LTC3108 and LTC3109 power management ICs to convert minute levels of ambient energy from heat, light, and vibration into usable power. Ideal for engineers and system designers, the manual covers power management schemes and design features for industrial, automotive, and building automation applications.
Page 1 Text Content
October 2010 Volume 20 Number 3
Ultralow Voltage Energy Harvester Uses Thermoelectric Generator for
4- and 6-supply monitors Battery-Free Wireless Sensors feature ±1.5% accuracy for
David Salerno
rails down to 1.2V 17
4mm × 7mm IC produces The proliferation of ultralow power wireless sensor nodes for
multiple power rails from a measurement and control, combined with new energy harvesting single Li-ion cell 26
technology, has made it possible to produce completely autonomous systems that are powered by local ambient energy
passive mixers increase instead of batteries. Powering a wireless sensor node from ambient gain and decrease noise in
or “free” energy is attractive because it can supplement or eliminate
downconverter apps 39
the need for batteries or wires. This is a clear benefit when battery replacement or servicing is inconvenient, costly or dangerous.
A complete lack of wires also makes it easy to expand monitor- ing and control systems on a large scale. Energy harvesting wire- less sensor systems simplify installation and maintenance in such diverse areas as building automation, wireless/automated metering and predictive maintenance, as well as numerous other industrial, military, automotive and consumer applications.
CONNECTOR WIRING DROPS CONNECTOR POWER DROPS DROPS
SUPPLY
The benefits of energy harvesting are clear, but an effec- tive energy harvesting system requires a clever power manage-
CONNECTOR WIRING DROPS CONNECTOR DROPS DROPS
ment scheme to convert the miniscule levels of free energy into a form usable by the wireless sensor system.
Figure 1. The simplest model for load regulation over
IT’S ALL ABOUT THE DUTY CYCLE
resistive interconnections.
Many wireless sensor systems consume very low average power, making them prime candidates to be powered by energy harvest- ing techniques. Many sensor nodes are used to monitor physical quantities that change slowly. Measurements can therefore be taken and transmitted infrequently, resulting in a low duty cycle of opera- tion and a correspondingly low average power requirement.
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Page Summary Contents For LINEAR LTC3108 User Guide
Manual Details
| Brand | Linear |
|---|---|
| Pages | 10 |
| File Size | 1.67 MB |
| Published | June 16, 2026 |
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Frequently Asked Questions
What are common sources used for energy harvesting?
The most common sources include vibration/motion, light, and heat.
How reliable is power from harvested energy sources?
Transducers produce unregulated output that may not provide a continuous or uninterrupted source of power.
What is the technical challenge addressed by these specialized converters?
They convert miniscule levels of free energy into a usable form for wireless sensor systems.
Does the LTC3109 support different operating modes?
It can be configured for unipolar operation, using a single transformer to satisfy various requirements.