An Analog Maximum Power Point Tracker With Pulsewidth Modulator Multiplication for a Solar Array Regulator

A simple multiplier for the estimation of the maximum power yield of a solar panel may be realized with a pulsewidth modulator working as analog multiplier circuit. Though the output of the pulsewidth modulator multiplication is not proportional to the actual output power of the solar panel, it may be shown that its maximum follows the maximum of the power curve of the panel. The multiplier allows a complete analog implementation of the maximum power point tracker of the panel thus keeping the simplicity needed in robust electronic systems. This paper presents the working principle of the maximum power point regulator, its design procedure, and a practical implementation for a low power solar panel, 7.1 V and 487 mA, used in small satellite platform applications.