This page contains preliminary information. Nothing is set in stone (let alone writing) and may never be. If you are interested in this product, please get in touch with Morris Softronics at msftrncs@midlands.net.
The micro-powered charge controller is a discrete circuit designed for charging lead-acid batteries by means of a solar panel. It is unique in that it only draws 150 microamperes from the battery when the solar panel is not producing any electricity and it does not include or require blocking diodes to protect the battery from discharging into a dark panel.
Even though the micro-powered charge controller draws very little current even when charging, the device is capable of switching a 30 ampere charging current. It uses low-loss PMOS switching transistors to maintain a practicably stable quiescent current.
The device consists of high quality precision components. The charge points are precision set using multi-turn potentiometers independent of each other. A bright bi-color LED displays current status.
The micro-powered charge controller is not limited to solar charging applications either. It is a good candidate anywhere a lead-acid battery is charged slowly yet needs to be kept from over-charging or discharging into the supply. The absence of blocking diodes decreases the losses normally seen in such systems too.
The device is presently housed in a 2in x 3in x 2in black plastic box with an aluminum bottom and includes 18ga two conductor cables with insolated and polarized spade connectors for connecting to the battery and panel/charger.
Variations of the micro-powered charge controller include 6, 12 and 24 volt systems and varying current capabilities.
Rough-draft introduction 7-18/97.