This reference design is a Maximum Power Point Tracking (MPPT) solar charge controller for 12V and 24V batteries, that can be used as a power optimizer. This compact reference design targets small and medium-power solar charger designs and is capable of operating with 15 to 60V solar panel modules, 12V or 24V batteries, and providing up to 16A output current. The design uses a buck converter to step down the panel voltage to the battery voltage. The half-bridge TI GaN power stage with internal integrated drivers is controlled by a microcontroller unit (MCU), which calculates the maximum power point using the perturb and observe method. The solar MPPT charge controller includes reverse battery protection, software programmable alarms and indications, and surge and ESD protection.

• 98.5% efficiency in 12V systems and 98.8% efficiency in 24V systems
• Wide input voltage range: 15V to 60V
• Flexible design supports 12V and 24V battery voltages
• High-rated output current: 16A
• Battery reverse polarity, over-charge and over-discharge protections
• System overtemperature capability
• Small board form factor: 83mm × 82mm ×
  26mm