Abstract: A system for generating electric power includes a first DC source, a second DC source and a shared optimizer. The first DC source provides a first voltage across a first node and a second node, while the second DC source provides a second voltage across the second node and a third node. The shared optimizer is designed to provide a first programmable current source between the first node and the second node as well as a second programmable current source between the second node and the third node. In an embodiment, the first and second DC sources are solar panels, and the optimizer includes a DC-DC converter, which operates to maximize power output of the solar panels. The use of a single (shared) optimizer may obviate the need for separate optimizers for each solar panel, and thereby reduce system cost.

Abstract: A circuit for controlling a Metal Oxide Semiconductor Field Effect Transistor (MOSFET) to generate a DC output voltage from a DC input voltage includes a first MOSFET and a second MOSFET. The circuit includes a gate resistor coupled to the first MOSFET. The circuit includes a first resistor and a zener diode coupled to the second MOSFET. In addition, the circuit includes a diode coupled to the zener diode and the first MOSFET. The circuit includes a first current path wherein the first current path includes the diode and the first MOSFET. The circuit includes a third MOSFET. Further, the circuit includes a Resistor-Capacitor (RC) filter coupled to source terminal of the third MOSFET. The circuit includes a third resistor having a first terminal and a second terminal, wherein the second terminal is coupled to drain terminal of the third MOSFET. The circuit also includes a fourth MOSFET.

Abstract: In a solar panel array that includes a string of series-connected panels, the load current flowing through the string is measured. The peak current (Ipp) of a panel in the string is determined. A current equal to the difference of the load current and the peak current (Ipp) is generated in a current source connected across the output terminals of the panel. The panel is thereby operated at its maximum power point (MPP). To determine the peak current (Ipp) of the panel, the magnitude of current flowing through the panel is iteratively changed and the corresponding power generated by the panel is computed. The change in the current through the panel and the measurement of the corresponding power are repeated until a maximum power is determined as being generated by the panel. The maximum power corresponds to the maximum power point (MPP) and the peak current (Ipp) of the panel.