Work

A Fully-Integrated Gear-Train Hybrid DC-DC Converter for Li-Ion-Powered Edge Systems

Year: 2026

Type: article

Abstract: This paper presents a fully integratedGear-Train-basedhybrid DC–DC converter for battery-connected edge systems. Targeting low BoM and pad-efficient integration, the converter directly converts a Li-ion input of 2.5–4.2 V to regulated sub-1-V outputs using only low-voltage core NMOS devices in a 22-nm FDX technology. The proposed topology reduces the inductor switching-node voltage toVIN/4, while the topology combined with switch stacking limits the maximum voltage stress across each power transistor toVIN/4. Together, these features enable operation up to 360 MHz and full onchip integration of a compact inductor. All passive and auxiliary functions, including the bootstrap circuitry, are implemented on chip using standard MOM capacitors and core devices without additional process masks. The prototype occupies 0.707 mm2, regulates outputs from 0.3 to 0.9 V, supports load currents up to 30 mA, and maintains 64.5% efficiency at the worst-case conversion ratio of 0.2. Compared to an ideal LDO, the proposed solution reduces power loss by 3.2×. It also demonstrates sub-200 ns dynamic voltage scaling, making it well suited to highly integrated edge systems.

Source: IEEE Open Journal of the Solid-State Circuits Society

DOI: 10.1109/ojsscs.2026.3719240

Authors: Mahmoud Hassan Kamel Hmada, Mingjie Ma, Ahmed Gharib Gadelkarim, Zixiao Lin, Gael Pillonnet, Patrick P. Mercier

Institutions: University of California San Diego, Commissariat à l'Énergie Atomique et aux Énergies Alternatives, Laboratoire d'Électronique des Technologies de l'Information, Université Grenoble Alpes

Language: English

Topic: Advanced DC-DC Converters

Subfield: Electrical and Electronic Engineering

Field: Engineering

Domain: Physical Sciences

SDGs: Industry, innovation and infrastructure, Affordable and clean energy

Open Access status: gold

Estimated APC paid: $2,075