Click here for production status of specific part numbers. Evaluates: MAX20800, MAX20801 MAX20800 Evaluation Kit General Description Quick Start The MAX2080XXEVKIT family of evaluation kits (EV Required Equipment kits) serve as a reference platform for evaluating the MAX20800 EV kit MAX20800 and MAX20801 maximum power point tracking Six-busbar PV module (MPPT) ICs. These single-chip, integrated switching regulators provide an extremely compact, low cost, highly efficient, Electronic load fast, accurate and reliable power delivery solution for Multimeters photovoltaic (PV) modules. Refer to the MAX20800 and MAX20801 IC data sheets for more information. Procedure for One Cell String The EV kit is fully assembled and tested. Follow the steps The EV kit comprises a fully-assembled and tested PCB below to verify board operation: implementation of the MAX20800. Input and output connectors for three photovoltaic cell strings are included 1) Connect the positive and negative terminals of a single for flexibility and ease-of-use with standard 60 or 72-cell cell string to PV1+ and PV1- terminals of the EV kit. crystalline PV modules. 2) Connect the positive terminal of the load to PV2- and the negative terminal of the load to OUT-. Features 3) Expose the PV module to steady state irradiance, Performs MPPT on three sets of 2024 either by an indoor light table or in outdoor conditions. Series-Connected PV Cells 4) It is important to ensure the proper connection polarity of Fast MPPT Reacts Quickly to Changing Conditions the PV Cells with respect to the physical PCB terminal 2 Small 3,800mm Solution Size connectors, see Testing Configuration diagrams. Integrated Voltage-Limiting Clamps Output Voltage Integrated Current-Limiting Clamps Output Current Active Bypass Function Eliminates Hot Spots Supports Flash and EL Testing Ordering Information appears at end of data sheet. Peak 99.1%, CEC 98.7%, and Euro 98.3% Efficiency Proven PCB Layout Fully Assembled and Tested 319-100320 Rev 1 5/21MAX20800 Evaluation Kit Evaluates: MAX20800, MAX20801 The output IV characteristics are such that maximum Procedure for Three Cell Strings output power is delivered into any voltage or current load Connecting all three cell strings from a PV Module to the so long as the output voltage and current limits are not EV kit requires a six-busbar module, whereby the two exceeded. If the output voltage exceeds the voltage limit electrical connections between the three cell strings are the switching regulator will actively sink current. If the intentionally left independent. If such a PV Module is not output current exceeds the current limit the cell string will available, it is recommended to test one cell string. be bypassed by a low-resistance FET. To connect a six-busbar module to the EV kit, follow the Meanwhile, the voltage and current capability of the input same procedure as above but connect one cell string connected PV cell strings can exceed these output limits to each of the PV1+/PV1-, PV2+/PV2-, and PV3+/PV3- but should remain below the maximum input operating input terminals. Connect the output load the OUT-/OUT+ conditions specified in the IC data sheet. terminals. Input Voltage and Current Detailed Description of Hardware Each cell string input voltage and current can be The MAX20800 IC is a monolithic, high-frequency step- measured directly at its respective PV+/PV- input down switching regulator optimized for performing MPPT terminals. Voltage should be measured directly at the on 20-24 crystalline photovoltaic cells. In order to support the pads with kelvin connections, meanwhile a low resistance MAX20800 application, PV Modules must be designed (i.e., 1m) shunt should be placed in series with PV+ to with six-busbar connections to the junction box, as measure current. The shunt should be carefully calibrated opposed to the typical four. Detailed product and to minimize measurement errors. application information is provided in the MAX20800 IC data sheet. Output Voltage and Current The output voltage and current can be measured at the Always Enabled OUT-/PV2- terminals while operating a single cell string The switching regulator is always enabled so long as or OUT-/OUT+ while operating with all three cell strings. power is available on the input pins. Voltage should be measured directly at the pads with kelvin connections, meanwhile a low resistance (i.e., MPPT Tracking 1m) shunt should be placed in series with the output to The MAX20800 switching regulator performs MPPT measure current. The shunt should be carefully calibrated stepping every 0.4ms. This speed is fast enough to to minimize measurement errors. present a quasi-static IV curve to standard PV string and panel inverter loads, but not fast enough to operate with Efficiency Testing typical PV simulator power supplies or flash testers. For Both power conversion and MPPT efficiency can be this reason, it is encouraged to test the MAX20800 EV kit tested by comparing the power output to a Reference with the PV module exposed to the steady state irradiance PV module. In order to avoid the influence of dynamically of an indoor light table or on-sun as an input, and an changing conditions while operating on-sun, it is highly electronic load on the output. suggested to operate the DUT and Reference modules at the same time with near simultaneous data acquisitions. Output Limiting MPPT Efficiency can be measured by comparing the The output voltage and current are electronically limited input power to the IC to that delivered by the Reference by the switching regulator as described in the table below. module operating at the MPP condition. The electronic OUTPUT VOLTAGE OUTPUT CURRENT load can be programmed to operate at MPP or perform IC PART LIMIT (V) LIMIT (A) continual IV sweeps. If performing IV sweeps, it is sug- gested to dwell at each measurement point for a minimum MAX20800 11.7 11.3 of 5ms to ensure the IC settles at the new load-dependent MAX20800A 13.6 11.3 operating point. MAX20801A 10.6 11.9 Carefully note the connection order and polarity of PV MAX20801B 11.2 11.9 input terminals when connecting the cell strings to the MAX20801C 12.4 11.9 EV kit. Maxim Integrated 2 www.maximintegrated.com