TE-CORE6 | TE-CORE7
ThermoHarvesting Power Module
Featuring ThermoGenerator-in-Package
TGP-651
TGP-751
Preliminary Datasheet
Micropelt - preliminary - Datasheet TE-CORE v2.5 | Page 2
Thermoharvesting Module
Micropelt TE-CORE
Contents
1. Introduction ..………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………...……….. 4
1.1 System Introduction ………………………………………………………………………………………………………………...…….. 4
1.2 Features ................................................................................................................................................................................. 4
1.3 Benefits ……………………….……………………………………………………………………………………………...………………….. 4
1.4 Applications ………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….... 4
1.5 Energy Balance ……………………..………………………………………………………………………………………………………... 5
1.5.1 Energy Storage …….………………...………….……………………………………………………………………………….….. 5
1.5.2 Hysteresis Voltage Control ………….………………………………………….…………………………………….…..….... 5
1.6 Modular Thermo-Mechanical Design …………………...………………………………………………………………...…..... 6
1.7 Absolute Maximum Ratings …………..……………………………………………………………………………………………..... 6
1.8 Mechanical Joints and max. force ……...………………………………………………………………………………………….. 6
1.9 Available Versions ……………………………………………...………………………………………………………………….……..… 6
2. Introducing the TGP Package …………………………………………………………………………...……………………...……. 7
2.1 TGP Properties ……………………………………………………………………………...…………………………………………..……. 7
2.2 Output Power Performance in Application ……………………………………………………………………………..……... 7
2.3 TGP Electrical Performance without DC-DC Booster …………………….......…………………………….….……….... 8
2.4 Output Power and Battery Benchmark ……………………………………………………………………………………..……. 9
3. TE-CORE Components and Connectors ……………………………………………………………………………………….... 10
3.1 Output and Power Management ……………………………………………………………………………………….…………... 10
3.1.1 Storage charge Hysteresis configuration ………………………………….……….....……………………….……….. 10
3.1.2 Output Voltage Configuration …………………………………..……….……………………………………….…......….. 10
3.1.3 Thermogenerator Direct Access ………………………………………..…………………………………………………... 11
3.2 Energy Storage …………………………………………………………………….…………………………………………...……………. 11
3.3 Power Supply and connector interfaces …………………………………………………………………….…………………... 11
3.4 Power Conditioning and Management ...……………………………………………………………………..…..…….………. 12
3.4.1 DC-Booster Start-up Requirements ……………………………………………………………………….………….…… 12
3.5 DC-DC Booster Characteristics ………………………………………………………………………………………………..……… 12
4 Thermo Meets Electrics …………………………………………………………….…….………………………………….………..…. 14
4.1 Heatsink and Convection ……………………………………………………..…….………………………………………………...... 14
4.2 Polarity and heat flux direction …………………………………………………………………………………………………..….. 14
4.3 Connection to hot source ………………………………………………………………………………………………………………. 14
5 Mechanical dimensions ……………………………………………………………………………………………………….….……. 15
5.1 Tolerances ISO 2768-mk ……………………………………………………………………………………..…………………….…… 16
6 Product Information …………………………………………………………………………………………………………….……….… 16
6.1 Reliability Testing …………………………………………………………………………….……………….…………………….….…… 16
6.2 Environmental compliance …………………………………………………………………………………………………….……..... 16
6.3 Ordering information …………………………………………………………………………………………………………………...… 16
7 Glossary ………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….…….… 17
8 List of Document Changes …………………………………………………………………………………………………………...... 17
9 Disclaimer …………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………..………...... 19
Micropelt - preliminary - Datasheet TE-CORE v2.5 | Page 3
Thermoharvesting Module
Micropelt TE-CORE
Congratulations !
You have chosen a powerful and versatile thermal energy harvesting module. The TE-CORE serve you for
desk and lab evaluation purposes or it may be used as an embedded green power supply for energy auton-
omous low-power electrical systems - typically with low duty cycles for control or maintenance.
We appreciate your choice of using Micropelt's thermoharvesting technology to explore the use of free am-
bient thermal power or waste heat instead of batteries. For a smooth start and sustainable success with your
new device, please consider the following:
Avoid intensive mechanical stress on the heat sink (shear or shock).
Do not expose the TE-CORE Module to temperatures exceeding 105 °C [221°F].
Protect the device against extensive humidity and direct water exposure
Disassembly is not recommended ! The heatsink may be removed or replaced with appropriate care.
Please share your experience with us. We appreciate your feedback.
Beyond that you are welcome to leverage our engineering expertise . It will likely facilitate and accelerate
your product design and time-to-market.
If you need further assistance, please contact us !
Free Power to You
The Micropelt Team
Micropelt - preliminary - Datasheet TE-CORE v2.5 | Page 4
Thermoharvesting Module
Micropelt TE-CORE
1. Introduction
1.1 System Introduction
The TE-CORE thermoharvesting module converts locally
available waste heat thermoelectrically to indefinite free
electric energy - as long as the heat flows through the
thermogenerator (TEG). The integral power conversion
and management circuit steps up the ‘gradient-analog’
output voltage of the TEG and outputs a fixed voltage
(2.4 V by default). The harvested energy is being buff-
ered in an extendable capacitor and controlled by a
configurable hysteresis.
For the TE-CORE to serve as the exclusive power supply
to an application it is mandatory to maintain a positive
energy balance, i.e. the amount of energy harvested
over a specific period must be equal or greater than the
energy consumed over that same period (see 1.5). 1.4 Applications
Consider thermoharvesting whenever both wiring and
battery maintenance are hard to accept for reasons of
cost, accessibility, manpower, logistics, hazard etc.
Wireless sensors and sensor networks (WSN)
Industrial process control & monitoring
Condition monitoring
Condition Based Maintenance (CBM)
Thermal event logging and alerting
Intelligent buildings and HVAC
Automatic meter reading (AMR)
Smart grid & metering
Energy monitoring & control
Remote sensing & tracking
1.2 Features
Operates from temperature differentials
of < 10 ºC between a surface and ambient
Operates on heat sources up to 105 °C
Also operates from cold sources
High-efficiency low-cost DC-DC booster design,
leveraging micro-thermogenerators with high
output voltage and high electrical resistance
Output voltage 2.4 V standard;
configurable between 1.8 V and 4.5 V
Extendable energy storage capacity
Configurable buffer hysteresis
Exchangeable heatsink
Interface connector compatible with TI eZ430-
RF2500T and similar wireless evaluation boards
RoHS and WEEE compliant
1.3 Benefits
Battery-free and cordless operation of electrical
consumers
Indefinite maintenance-free local energy
Scalable harvesting capability: Supports Micropelt
TGP-751 (TE-CORE7) and TGP-651 (TE-CORE6)
Thermogenerator packages.
Power supply for life-long operation of a low power
device.
TE-CORE Module with TGP Thermogenerator
Micropelt - preliminary - Datasheet TE-CORE v2.5 | Page 5
Thermoharvesting Module
Micropelt TE-CORE
1.5 Energy Balance
Energy harvesting in general, hence also thermohar-
vesting is suitable for low power, typically duty-cycling
applications. The average energy consumed does not
exceed the energy harvested; i.e. a positive or at least
even energy balance is maintained.
1.5.1 Energy Storage
Any surplus energy which is not used by the application
during its sleep phases is buffered in a storage capaci-
tor (C3) which supplies surge currents during the load’s
active cycle. The size of the capacitor must be matched
to the application’s active cycle energy demand: the
stored energy must be sufficient for at least one cycle.
If the default capacitance is found insufficient the TE-
CORE offers an interface for a user-configurable addi-
tional capacitor (see §3.2 Energy storage).
1.5.2 Hysteresis Voltage Control
The storage capacitor’s charge level must always ex-
ceed the powered system’s operating voltage to ensure
stable supply. The actually available stored energy is
defined by the total storage capacitance and the con-
figured difference of the upper and lower thresholds of
Power dropouts caused by excess surge current
DC-DC Booster and power management of the TE-CORE Thermoharvesting Module
the TE-CORE’s hysteresis control (see p. 11) .
If the voltage of the energy buffer drops below the
configured hysteresis minimum level the output of TE-
CORE switches off to protect the continuous operation
of the DC booster required for re-charging the buffer
capacitor. Once the configured maximum capacitor
voltage is reached, the output turns on again. This cycle
is indicated by a LED: Each flash indicates a ‘virtual ac-
tive cycle’ in replacement of a real load.
Micropelt - preliminary - Datasheet TE-CORE v2.5 | Page 6
Thermoharvesting Module
Micropelt TE-CORE
1.7 Absolute Maximum Ratings
Please ensure that during operation of the TE-CORE
module the below maximum ratings are not exceeded:
1.8 Mechanical and Thermal Interfaces
The PCB and the heatsink are connected by two fas-
tening screws, which fixes the TPG at the same time.
Clamping force is max. 25 cNm, because of PCB.
(see TE-CORE exploded view)
Between TGP and the heatsink a Graphite foil ensures a
good thermal path. It is used eGraph type Hitherm
2505 with 127µm as thermal interface material.
1.9 Available Versions
The TE-CORE Thermoharvesting Module is available in
two variations, differentiated by two types of TGP:
TE-CORE7: TGP-751 containing TEG MPG-D751
TE-CORE6: TGP-651 containing TEG MPG-D651
Select TE-CORE7 over TE-CORE6 for:
Operation at lower temperature gradients
Higher output power with better heatsink;
—> 2x power over the TE-CORE6 is possible.
TE-CORE exploded view
TGP package, ready for SMD assembly
1.6 Modular Thermo-Mechanical Design
The Micropelt TE-CORE Thermoharvesting module
operates from a heat (or cold) thermal energy source.
The TGP’s aluminum top side, its thermal input, is sup-
posed be attached to the heat source. The thickness of
the thermal input acts as a spacer to protect the PCB
on one hand and to ensure a thermal separation be-
tween the hot and cold sides on the other, optimizing
energy harvesting performance through suppression
of thermal ‘cross talk’.
The thickness of the TGP’s thermal output was chosen
to provide an initial heat spreading effect towards a
heat sink and at the same time allowing for population
of electronic components next to the TGP, even below
the heatsink which usually extends well over the foot-
print of the TGP.
Exchangeable
heatsink
Heatsink interface/
thermal output
Heat source interface/
thermal input
DC booster and
power management
min TYP max
Hot side
temperature + 10 °C - + 100 ºC
Ambient temp 0 ºC + 85 ºC
Storage temp - 20 ºC + 120 ºC
ESD sensitivity - - 9000 V
TE-CORE7 TE-CORE6
32.5 ºC
90.5 °F
34.0 ºC
93.2 °F
DC-DC startup at
25 °C ambient
Fastening screws for
heat sink
Micropelt - preliminary - Datasheet TE-CORE v2.5 | Page 7
Thermoharvesting Module
Micropelt TE-CORE
Properties of TGPs TGP-751 TGP-651
TEG inside MPG-D751 MPG-D651
Electrical resistance Ri 240 - 350 Ω 150 - 230 Ω
Thermal resistance Rth 18 K/W 28 K/W
Thermovoltage S 110 mV/K 60 mV/K
Footprint (l x w x h) 15 x 10 x 9.3 mm
2 Introducing the TGP Package
Micropelt thermogenerators offer a unique power
density, but mechanically they are quite sensitive. We
have developed the TGP as a standard package which
accommodates a range of TEG configurations. The TGP
package protects the TEG, facilitates system integration
and assembly. Its robustness simplifies thermal cou-
pling and maximizes power output.
2.1 TGP Properties
Different heat sink types of Sk422
2.2 Output Power Performance in Application
The matched output power depends on the character-
istics of the thermal path from heat source to ambient
(cold side). The heatsink type, dimensions and position
are of influence.
The TGP measurements are made with TE-CORE7 using
different heat sinks from Fischer Elektronik, type Sk422
with a length of 33 mm, 50 mm and 90 mm.
Performance diagram of Sk422 heat sink
Dimensions Sk422 heat sink
Supplier www.fischerelektronik.de
For direct link to heatsink page use link below
http://tinyurl.com/cw9aun6
TE-CORE with heat sink Sk422-33
TE-CORE with transparent heat sink
Micropelt - preliminary - Datasheet TE-CORE v2.5 | Page 8
Thermoharvesting Module
Micropelt TE-CORE
2.3 TGP Electrical Performance without
DC-DC Booster
The direct output performance of the TGP devices are
measured at an ambient temperature of 25 ºC with
heatsink fins in vertical orientation for best natural con-
vection (see § 4.1).
The performance of the TGP-751 exceeds that of the
reference system TE-Power ONE/NODE, although both
are based on the same TEG MPG-D751. A reduced par-
asitic heat flux by using the TGP component caused
this improvement.
The difference in performance between TGP-D651 and
TGP-D751 increases with heatsink performance and
higher gross temperature differentials.
The following diagrams provide the output voltages
and power of TGP-751 and TGP-651, each integrated in
a standard TE-CORE module. DC-DC Booster is not
used.
Micropelt - preliminary - Datasheet TE-CORE v2.5 | Page 9
Thermoharvesting Module
Micropelt TE-CORE
2.4 Output Power and Battery Benchmark
The table below provides select output characteristics of
the TGP-751, integrated in a TE-CORE7 module in
standard configuration and under standard lab condi-
tions. The DC-DC booster is not used.
For an easy matching with known battery consumption
figures an annual ‘gross’ harvesting result is provided.,
assuming constant thermal conditions.
The output voltage of the TGP-751 at a given external
(gross) temperature differential is higher than that of
the TGP-651. Hence the DC-DC booster starts at lower
delta-T conditions. Better starting conditions may be
achieved by using a more efficient heat sink, as men-
tioned in next table (at ambient of 25 ºC / 77 °F):
*Heatsink: Fischer Elektronik, Sk422-33-SA
TGP Output power and Battery-Equivalent
(at 25°C ambient)
Thot
[°C]
Uoc
[Volt]
Power
[mW]
Annually
[mAh]
Batteries
[AA]
TE-CORE7*
40 0.56 0.36 2.102 1-2
50 0.96 1.1 6.424 3-4
60 1.4 2.2 12.848 > 6
Small HS
(Sk422 33)
Midsize HS
(Sk422 50)
Larger HS
(Sk422 90)
TE-CORE6 34.0 ºC
[93.2 °F]
33.5 ºC
[92.3 °F]
32.5 ºC
[90.5 °F]
TE-CORE7 32.5 ºC
[90.5 °F]
32.0 ºC
[98.6 °F]
31.0 ºC
[87.8 °F]
Small HS
(Sk422 33mm
Midsize HS
(Sk422 50)
Larger HS
(Sk422 90)
TE-CORE6 100% 125% 135%
TE-CORE7 100% 130% 185%
The table below describes the increase of output power
with different heat sink sizes.
For TE-CORE7 a bigger heatsink generates a significant
increase in output power, due to the lower thermal re-
sistance of TPG-751. Whereas for TE-CORE6 the ad-
vantages of large heatsinks are limited.
TE-CORE top side view (without heat sink)
TE-CORE bottom side view (without heat sink)
Micropelt - preliminary - Datasheet TE-CORE v2.5 | Page 10
Thermoharvesting Module
Micropelt TE-CORE
3. TE-CORE Components and Connectors 3.1 Output and Power Management
The TGP output voltage is stepped-up to a maximum
voltage of 5.5 V. The harvested energy is buffered in
capacitor C3 . A configurable hysteresis control ensures
the buffer is full before the TE-CORE’s output is activat-
ed, and turned off before the target output voltage is
under run or even killing the step-up oscillation. The
output voltage is controlled by a configurable compar-
ator.
3.1.1 Storage Charge Hysteresis Configuration
The comparator (IC2, MICREL MIC833) turns the output
ON once the voltage of capacitor C3 reaches Uhigh set
by the resistors R4 , R5 and R6 according to Equations 1
below. The output is turned OFF when the voltage of
C3 under runs Ulow, so the entire harvested energy is
used to recharge the storage capacitor C3.
(Eq. 1)
(Eq. 2)
3.1.2 Output Voltage Configuration
The comparator (IC3,, TI TPS780 Series) controls the
configurable constant output voltage of the TE-CORE
module (2.4 V by default) as long as the voltage from
IC2 is ON. The voltage level is set by the resistors R2
and R3 according to Equation 2 below.
(Eq. 3)
PCB top view
TGP: TGP-751 or TGP-651
X1: Connector for Texas Instrument evaluation board
eZ430-RF2500T (PIN 2 - VCC; PIN 5 - GND)
C3: Storage capacitor 100 µF
C33: Capacitor extension interface
PCB bottom view
J1, J2: Soldering pads output polarity selection
J3: Soldering pad to disconnect TGP from
DC-DC booster / power management
X2: Regulated DC output; Uout = 2.4 Volt by default
C33: Capacitor extension interface (not populated)
J4: Soldering pad to disconnect indicator LED D3
P1: Test pad for storage capacitor voltage
P2: GND
P3: Raw TGP output (disconnect J3 before use)
Magnet - Mounting position for permanent magnet )
3
2
1(
R
R
UU FBout VoltUFB 216.1
)
65 654
(RR RRR
UU reflow
)
6654
(
R
RRR
UU refhigh
VoltUref 24.1
TGP
Heatsink
Interface
TGP
Heat Source
Interface
Micropelt - preliminary - Datasheet TE-CORE v2.5 | Page 11
Thermoharvesting Module
Micropelt TE-CORE
Power Management Circuitry
Above screenshot shows the voltage regulator IC2
TPS78001, the hysteresis comparator MIC833 and the
related resistors R2 - R6.
To change the TE-CORE output voltage and/or hyste-
resis, please refer the table below. Use equations
1 and 2 on page 10 to calculate different settings.
3.2 Energy storage
Energy harvesting power supply implies a duty cycling
application. The harvester usually does not provide
enough power to run the application during its active
mode. An energy buffer is needed.
Capacitance and maximum current characteristics of
the storage capacitor in concert with the hysteresis set-
tings (see 3.1.2) must comply with both surge current
and pulse duration of the application’s active cycle.
Important parameters of energy storage devices:
Low leakage
Low equivalent serial resistance (ESR) << 1 Ohm
Note: In case thin film batteries (TFB) are considered
instead of capacitors, e.g. for their extremely low leak-
age, additional care must be taken to avoid damage of
the TFB through overcharge or deep discharge.
3.1.3 Thermogenerator Direct Access
Desolder contacts of J3 to disconnect thermogenerator
and power management. With open J3 both open cir-
cuit voltage (Uoc) and short circuit current (Isc) of the
TEG can be measured at the circuit control points P3
and P2. The measured values at any specific operating
point allow for calculation of the maximum available
power Pmax according to Equation 4 below:
(Eq. 4)
4
max Isc
UocP
Voltage regulator Comparator hysteresis
Uout
[V]
R3
[MΩ]
R2
[MΩ]
R4
[kΩ]
R5
[kΩ]
R6
[kΩ]
Ulow
[V]
Uhig
[V]
1.8 2 0.953 470 200 680 1.9 2.46
2.0 2 1.3 550 150 680 2.1 2.5
2.4 2 2 860 160 680 2.5 3.1
2.7 1.5 1.8 1000 150 680 2.73 3.3
3.0 1 1.5 1500 150 845 3.1 3.66
3.3 1 1.8 2500 249 1200 3.37 4.1
4.5 1 2.7 2000 75 680 4.52 5 Connection of
TI module RF2500T
3.3 Power supply and connector interfaces
An interface is available to connect the TE-CORE Power
harvesting kit to existing ultra-low power electronics or
wireless modules. Connecter X1 is positioned on the
right side of the TE-CORE module (pitch 1.27 mm
[0.05]). This connector is compatible to the TI eZ430-
RF2500T wireless evaluation board.
Pin 1,3,4,6 are not connected
Pin 2: VCC supply voltage (standard 2.4 V)
Pin 5: GND
Connector X1:
Micropelt - preliminary - Datasheet TE-CORE v2.5 | Page 12
Thermoharvesting Module
Micropelt TE-CORE
3.4 Power Conditioning and Management
The TE-CORE’s DC-DC booster and power conditioning
module provides a reference for a low-cost, high effi-
ciency pure thermoharvesting power supply. It conse-
quently uses carefully selected off-the-shelf compo-
nents in a electronic circuit which best leverages the
special electrical properties of our TEGs: high resistance
and high thermovoltage. Configurable power manage-
ment functions allow for flexible adaptation to a host
of ultra-low-power applications.
When connecting the TI ez430-RF2500T evaluation
board to the Micropelt TE-CORE Power Harvesting Sys-
tem please note the following notifications.
The TI radio communication link (TI demonstration
software) requires a relative high amount of energy
for its initial radio link set-up,
Initial link set-up needs for 100ms approximately
20mA current and operating voltage = 2.4 Volt
[energy consumption 4.8mJ]
Change the value of capacitor C3 and add C33
1500µF capacitor (2x 1500µF = 3000µF; for exam-
ple: Vishay Model 592D158X06R3R2T20H).
Set the comparator hysteresis to follow options:
Vcc turn “off” = 2.6 Volt; Vcc turn “ON” = 3.9 Volt.
Replace the resistor R4 –R6 to the next values:
R4 = 1.5 MΩ, R5 = 470 kΩ, R6 = 910 kΩ
The DC-DC booster is optimized for start up with low
temperature gradients.
In applications with small load currents, the efficiency
looks reduced while the energy storage device is being
changed and current being used by the load in parallel.
3.5 DC-DC Booster Characteristics
DC-DC booster output voltage is set to 2.4 Volt. Meas-
urement with FET Transistor at oscillator part
ATF-55143 and storage capacitor C3= 100 µF:
Micropelt - preliminary - Datasheet TE-CORE v2.5 | Page 13
Thermoharvesting Module
Micropelt TE-CORE
At high, continuous current requirements of the load of
the TE-CORE power harvesting kit, a continuous opera-
tion is not possible.
Common energy harvesting equipment operate in a
“duty-cycle” mode, where the load is mostly in standby
mode and only active for a short period of time.
The size of the energy storage device can be adapted
by the footprint position of C33.
3.5.1 DC-DC Booster Efficiency
TE-CORE7 @ 25ºC ambient
Hot side temp 40 ºC
Output voltage 2.39 V 2.40 V 2.44 V
Output power 0.36 mW
Current peak 1 mA 25 mA 150 mA
DC Boost efficiency 52 % 57 % >80 %
Hot side temp
Output voltage 2.39 V 2.40 V 2.44 V
Output power 1.8 mW
Current peak 1 mA 25 mA 150 mA
DC Boost efficiency 52 % 64 % > 80 %
60 ºC
Micropelt - preliminary - Datasheet TE-CORE v2.5 | Page 14
Thermoharvesting Module
Micropelt TE-CORE
Solder pads J1 and J2
connection for heat flux
direction (standard de-
livered)
Solders pad J1 and J2
connection for reversed
heat flux direction
4.3 Connection to hot source
The best method to connect the TE-CORE power har-
vesting kit to a hot source is by:
Magnetic surface - in this case simply to use the
magnet on the bottom side from TE-CORE Module
None magnetic surface - use the enclosed self-
adhesive magnetic disks to connect to the hot sur-
face. Please remove the protector foil from the self-
adhesive magnetic disks and connect to the warm
surface. In the next step set the middle of the TE-
CORE module above the magnetic disks.
For the best thermal connection from TGP to warm sur-
face you can use a thermal compound (paste).
4 Thermo Meets Electrics
4.1 Heatsink and Convection
Both positioning and orientation of the TE-CORE are
of major importance for the harvesting yield. The ori-
entation of the heatsink and its fins relative to the heat
source and the direction of natural or forced convec-
tion deserve special attention.
Please avoid placing the TE-CORE in horizontal orienta-
tion on top of a heat source. This will minimize the ef-
fective temperature differential. Prefer a mounting po-
sition on the side or underside of a heat source.
A forced air flow along the heatsink fins, e.g. from a
motor fan or ventilator, usually maximizes power re-
gardless of mounting position and natural convection.
Due to the uni-polar design of the TE-CORE, a manual
polarity option is provided. Solder pad are available on
the bottom side of the PCB (J1 and J2), by which the
polarity can be determined.
This gets around the losses that a rectifier would intro-
duce but requires an engineering action to change the
direction of the heat flux.
4.2 Polarity and heat flux direction
Along with a change of the heat flux direction, the po-
larity of the TGP’s output voltage inverts.
Standard setting is for the TGP TOP side to be the
hot side and the heat sink is the cold side or room
temperature of the thermal path.
Standard heat flux Reverse heat flux
thermal glue
heat si nk
heat source
thermal radiation
Magnet
Heatsink orientation matters!
Micropelt - preliminary - Datasheet TE-CORE v2.5 | Page 15
Thermoharvesting Module
Micropelt TE-CORE
5. Mechanical Dimensions (mm)
Tolerances according ISO 2768-mK (medium), see table next page.
Except tolerances ± are given in the drawing.
Heat sink (bottom view) position for drillings
Micropelt - preliminary - Datasheet TE-CORE v2.5 | Page 16
Thermoharvesting Module
Micropelt TE-CORE
6.2 Environmental compliance
Micropelt TE-CORE modules are compliant to the Re-
striction of Hazardous Substances Directive of RoHS.
6.3 Ordering information
TE-CORE Power harvesting kit
- TE-CORE6
- TE-CORE7
6. Product Information
6.1 Reliability Testing
Micropelt TE-CORE modules will be tested according:
Lifetime
Humidity
Vibration
Mechanical shock
Non-operating thermal shock
5.1 General tolerances for linear and angular dimensions according DIN ISO 2768-mk
For TE-CORE tolerance class „medium“ is applicable.
Permissible deviations
in mm for ranges in
nominal lengths
f (fine)
Tolerance class
designation (description)
v (very coarse)
m (medium) c (coarse)
0.5 up to 3 ±0.05 ±0.1 ±0.2 -
over 3 up to 6 ±0.05 ±0.1 ±0.3 ±0.5
over 6 up to 30 ±0.1 ±0.2 ±0.5 ±1.0
over 30 up to 120 ±0.15 ±0.3 ±0.8 ±1.5
over 120 up to 400 ±0.2 ±0.5 ±1.2 ±2.5
over 400 up to 1000 ±0.3 ±0.8 ±2.0 ±4.0
over 1000 up to 2000 ±0.5 ±1.2 ±3.0 ±6.0
over 2000 up to 4000 - ±2.0 ±4.0 ±8.0
Micropelt - preliminary - Datasheet TE-CORE v2.5 | Page 17
Thermoharvesting Module
Micropelt TE-CORE
7. Glossary
TGP Generator in package
AMR Automated Meter Reading
HVAC Heating, Ventilating and Air Conditioning
MPG-D751/D651 Micropelt thermoelectric generator type
PCB Printed Circuit Board
TEG Thermoelectric Generator, Thermogenerator
8. List of Document Changes
Ver. 1.0 (2011-06.18) First version of TE-CORE datasheet
Ver. 1.1 (2011-07.12) new photos of TGP and TE-CORE, few edits in the text
Ver. 1.2 (2011-07.14) page 12, additional technical drawing
Ver. 2.0 (2011-09.01) considerable revision of the document, additional measurements
Ver. 2.1 (2011-09.02) optical improvements of diagrams and images for better pdf results
Ver. 2.2 (2011-09.08) page 7, properties of TGPs, page 12, diagram DC-DC booster efficiency,
page 15 mechanical drawings
Ver. 2.3 (2011-09.21) page 6, table at §1.9, page 7 §2.1, page 12 §3.4.1,
Ver. 2.4 (2012-04.04) page 6, Absolute max. ratings; page 7, link Fischer Elektronik,
page 18 considerable up-date of thermoharvesting systems
optical improvements of images
Ver. 2.5 (2012-10.17) page 11, 3.1.3 thermogenerator direct access, naming of circuit control points
Micropelt - preliminary - Datasheet TE-CORE v2.5 | Page 18
Thermoharvesting Module
Micropelt TE-CORE
TE-Power PROBE
TE-Power PROBE is an integrated thermohar-
vester which we specifically designed for oper-
ating conditions using natural convection to
ambient air.
A powerful heat sink ensures a high level of
heat dissipation which leads to maximal
thermoharvesting results when mounted in
horizontal orientation.
TE-CORE - DC-Power Module
(only power supply)
TE-CORE thermoharvesting power module
with integrated TGP, efficient DC-booster and
power management functions.
TE-CORE/RF
wireless sensor evaluation kit
TE-CORE /RF is a complete thermo-powered, self-
sufficient wireless sensor node system.
It offers an efficient DC-booster and
power management concept with prequalified
802.15.4 compatible radio module 2.4 GHz ISM
band and evaluation software.
TE-qNODE
TE-qNODE is a battery-free wireless sensor for
thermal monitoring of electrical distribution sys-
tems, i.e. busbars and busways.
Resistive heat is used to power continuous moni-
toring for increased safety and power availability
in 24/7 production environments.
Micropelt - preliminary - Datasheet TE-CORE v2.5 | Page 19
Thermoharvesting Module
Micropelt TE-CORE
9. Important Notices – Please read carefully prior to use
1. Micropelt Products are prototypes
Micropelt supplies thermoelectric coolers and generators, as well as energy harvesting modules (hereinafter referred to as “Prototype Products”). The
Prototype Products distributed by Micropelt to date are prototypes that have not yet been released to manufacturing and marketing for regular
use by end-users. The Prototype Products are still being optimized and continuously tested. As such, the Prototype Products may not fully comply
with design-, marketing-, and/or manufacturing-related protective considerations, including product safety and environmental measures typically
found in end products that incorporate such semiconductor components or circuit boards.
In addition, the Products have not yet been fully tested for compliance with the limits of computing devices, neither pursuant to part 15 of FCC
rules nor pursuant to any other national or international standards, which are designed to provide reasonable protection against radio frequency
interference.
2. Use of Products restricted to demonstration, testing and evaluation
Micropelt’s Prototype Products are intended exclusively for the use for demonstration, testing and evaluation purposes.
The Prototype Products must not be used productively. In particular, the Prototype Products must not be used in any safety-critical applications,
such as (but not limited to) life support systems, near explosion endangered sites, and/or any other performance critical systems.
The Prototype Products must only be handled by professionals in the field of electronics and engineering who are experienced in observing good
engineering standards and practices.
3. Warnings and use instructions
Using Micropelt’s Prototype Products without care and in the wrong context is potentially dangerous and could result in injury or damage.
The Prototype Products are designed for use within closed rooms in conditions as apply for electronics such as computers; except when indicat-
ed expressively. Keep the Prototype Products away from open fire, water, chemicals, gases, explosives as well as from temperature conditions
above 100 degrees centigrade, or as indicated in the datasheet of the product. When testing temperature settings at the limits given in the
datasheet for longer term, do not leave the Prototype Products alone but monitor their performance. Take special care to monitor closely when-
ever the Prototype Products are connected to other electrical items and/or electronics.
If Prototype Products use wireless data transmission technology, therefore they receive and radiate radio frequency energy. They have not yet
been fully tested for compliance with the limits of computing devices, neither pursuant to part 15 of FCC rules nor pursuant to any other nation-
al or international standards, which are designed to provide reasonable protection against radio frequency interference. Operation of the Proto-
type Products may cause interference with radio communications, in which case the user at his own expense will be required to take whatever
measures may be necessary to correct this interference and prevent potential damage. Do take special care not to operate the Prototype Prod-
ucts near safety-critical applications or any other applications known to be affected by radio frequencies.
If any of the Prototype Products elements are separated from the complete module and used independently, it is important to control each
individual system’s power supply to be within their acceptable voltage and/or amperage range. Exceeding the specified supply voltage and/or
amperage range may cause unintended behavior and/or irreversible damage to the Prototype Products and/or connected applications. Please
consult the Prototype Products’ datasheet prior to connecting any load to the Prototype Products’ output. Applying loads outside of the speci-
fied output range may result in unintended behavior and/or permanent damage to the Prototype Products. If there is uncertainty as to the sup-
ply or load specification, please contact a Micropelt engineer.
During normal operation, some circuit components may have case temperatures greater than 70°C. The Prototype Products are designed to
operate properly with certain components above 70°C as long as the input and output ranges are maintained. These components include but
are not limited to linear regulators, switching transistors, pass transistors, and current sense resistors. These types of devices can be identified
using the evaluation unit schematic located in the evaluation unit User's Guide. When placing measurement probes near these devices during
operation, please be aware that these devices may be as hot as to inflict the risk of burning skin when touched.
Due to the open construction of the Prototype Products, it is the user’s responsibility to take any and all appropriate precautions with regard to
electrostatic discharge and any other prevention measures for safety.
4. User’s Feedback
Micropelt welcomes the user’s feedback on the results of any tests and evaluations of the Prototype Products. In particular, we appreciate experi-
ence information on use cases with indications of strengths and weaknesses of the Prototype Products, its robustness in operation and its long-
term durability. Please, contact our Micropelt Application Engineering colleagues by email at engineering@micropelt.com.
Prototype Products, its robustness in operation and its long-term durability. Please, contact our Micropelt Application Engineering colleagues by
email at engineering@micropelt.com.
Micropelt GmbH | Emmy-Noether-Str. 2 | 79110 Freiburg (Germany)
