Ixys presents two new lines of miniature modules

The California-based semiconductor manufacturer Ixys launched two new module lines in spring – Solar Arrays and Solar Cards.     

© IXYS Semiconductor GmbH Tiny modules: Ixys offers modules for use with mobile phones and cameras.

The modules are equipped with in-house made monocrystalline solar cells and can be installed in portable devices. The idea is to extend the range of mobile phones, PDAs, and other small battery-operated devices. According to the company, the modules also are suitable for sensors and portable industrial electronics. The smallest module of the Array series consists of four solar cells, provides 72 mW of power, and is only 4.8 cm².

With the Solar Cards, the cells are assembled directly on a ceramic substrate that dissipates the heat. A further advantage of the construction is the similar thermal expansion coefficient of silicon and substrate. With the PV Cards, sunlight is concentrated trough a Fresnel lens, so that the output current of the cells is tripled. Up until now, two versions with powers of 225 mW and 500 mW are on the market.

Ixys Corp.
3540 Bassett St.
Santa Clara, CA 95054, USA 
phone +1/408/982-0700
admins@ixys.net
www.ixys.com

Jens NIckel
© PHOTON International, July 2004