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    The evaluation board for the SM72442 can technically reach 99.5% efficiency according to the datasheet, but with a caveat that it has to run in Panel Mode

Using Panel Mode Operation

    The SM72442 has this feature called "panel mode" which functions effectively as a bypass from the solar panel to the output directly. Apparently this is one the states the SM72442 can enter in and it does reason that if our load power matches the solar panel's peak output then a direct connection between the two is all we need. Panel Mode is achieved by connecting the PM_Out pin to a gate driver and having that control two MOSFETS between the panel's input and output. Apparently the data sheet says we can ignore panel mode completely to save parts costs, but if we desire maximum efficiency, we should make use of the Panel Mode Feature. Additionally, the SM72442 does enter Panel Mode automatically after every x seconds during regular operation, the value x can be programmed by the user.

Highest Efficiency +5v Regulation

     The SM72442 requires a +5V source to operate, now it has to come somewhere  since it is responsible for providing power to the rest of our systems. Looking at the schematics for the provided evaluation board the +5V regulation system takes its input directly from the solar panel's input. Thus in order for us to get the magical 99.5% efficient MPPT we must consider highest efficient +5v regulator configuration. The evaluation board provides +5V power via two stages: a switching converter that steps down to +10V and then the +10V is regulated to +5V via a LDO.

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