The SM33200 SolarMagic smart panel chipset features an analog-intensive power management chipset in a new category of in-panel electronics that improves power output, reliability and cost-effectiveness of solar systems.

National Semiconductor Corp. (Santa Clara, CA) (NYSE:NSM) has introduced the solar industry’s first in-panel SolarMagic chipset, marking the advent of a new category of solar systems: “smart panels.” Whereas solar panels today are prone to underperform due to conditions such as age, mismatch and shade, smart panels incorporate advanced electronics to harvest the maximum energy from a solar system. The SM3320 SolarMagic smart panel chipset features:

• An analog-intensive power management chipset in a new category of in-panel electronics that improves power output, reliability and cost-effectiveness of solar systems.
• Recoup of up to 71 percent of power lost to mismatch – regardless of cell technology – giving installation owners more predictable power output and increased return on investment.
• Incorporates ten proprietary analog and mixed-signal integrated circuits, providing highly reliable digital-control combined with analog sensing and communication.
• Proprietary algorithms apply localized maximum power point tracking (MPPT), extracting the maximum energy available by translating the input voltage and current to the best output voltage and current pair to maximize energy flow.
• The SM3320 is cognitive: the system senses input voltage and current throughout the array and adjusts to achieve optimum string levels.
• A highly integrated, 99.5 percent efficient, 350 Watt tri-mode power converter.
• UL and CE component-level certified.

For more information visit www.national.com.