The SM72445 is a programmable MPPT controller capable of controlling four PWM gate drive signals for a 4-switch buckboost converter. The SM72445 also features a proprietary algorithm called Panel Mode (PM) which allows for the panel to be connected directly to the output of the power optimizer circuit when the input to output voltage ratio is close to 1. This provides an opportunity to optimize the efficiency of the power optimizer when the load is naturally matching the maximum
power point of the panel. Along with the SM72295 (Photovoltaic Full Bridge Driver), it creates a solution for an MPPT configured DC-DC converter with efficiencies up to 99.5% (when operating with dedicated PM switches). Integrated into the chip is an 8-channel, 10 bit A/D converter used to sense
input and output voltages and currents, as well as IC configuration. Externally programmable values include maximum output voltage and current as well as different settings for slew rate, soft-start and Panel Mode.