Buck Converter - RT8297BZQW - https://www.digikey.ca/en/products/detail/richtek-usa-inc/RT8297BZQW/3078378
- converts higher input DC voltage connected to the J1 header to a lower output DC voltage connected to the J2 that is suitable for the battery
- the capacitors placed in parallel with the Vin of the buck converter. helps with filtering and smooths out the input voltage, reducing the noise that could be transferred from the converter. improve transient response
- the capacitors placed in parallel with the Vout of the buck converter also help with filtering any AC signals, ensuring the load receives steady DC voltage
- the inductor in series with Vout terminal of the buck converter stores energy during the ON period and releases the energy during the OFF period through the e-fuse. the storage and release of the energy smooths out the current flowing to the load.
Digital Potentiometer - chrome-extension://efaidnbmnnnibpcajpcglclefindmkaj/https://ww1.microchip.com/downloads/en/DeviceDoc/22107B.pdf
- The feedback voltage pin of the buck converter is connected to a voltage divider network that involves a digital potentiometer
- R6: between BATT voltage and FB voltage
- R5 and internal resistor of digital potentiometer: between FB voltage and ground (B terminal of digital potentiometer)
- there is an internal Vref that is set based on the desired output voltage of the buck converter. The digital potentiometer adjusts the Vfb feedback voltage in the voltage divider network to match Vref by adjusting the internal resistance digitally. When the internal resistance is changed, the voltage division ratio changes. This adjusts the Vfb, which ultimately adjusts the output voltage of the buck converter.
E-Fuse
- protects the circuit from overcurrent and ensures that the current flows in only one direction
- instead of using the diode, an e-fuse is used to allow current to flow from the inductor to the load during the off period of the switching cycle
Voltage Dividers
- scales down the voltage for the solar panels (VPanel) and battery (VBatt) to a level suitable for monitoring and controlling digitally