Breakthrough IC Technology Cuts Resonator DC-DC Conversion Loss by 310%

Researchers at UC San Diego and CEA-Leti have made a groundbreaking advancement in power conversion technology by developing a piezoelectric-based DC-DC converter that consolidates all power switches onto a single chip. This innovative converter aims to significantly increase power density by combining the strengths of piezoelectric converters with capacitive-based DC-DC converters. The result is a remarkable 310% reduction in power loss compared to existing technologies.

The newly developed power converter is notably smaller in size compared to traditional inductors commonly used in similar applications. This compact design opens up a wide range of possibilities for the future utilization of these devices in various DC-DC conversion scenarios. The potential applications of this technology are vast and could revolutionize the way power conversion is approached in different industries.

Patrick Mercier, a professor in the Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering at UC San Diego, highlighted the significance of this breakthrough, stating, “This innovative approach enhances performance, especially at low voltage conversion ratios—an area where prior works struggled to sustain both high efficiency and optimal utilization of piezoelectric materials.” The development of this converter represents a major leap forward in the field of power electronics.

A key feature of this revolutionary converter is its utilization of a hybrid DSPPR (Dual-Stage Piezoelectric Power Rectifier) architecture. By leveraging the capabilities of integrated circuits to provide advanced power stages within a compact space, this design outperforms traditional discrete designs in terms of efficiency and functionality. The converter is capable of operating efficiently at voltage conversion ratios (VCR) of less than 0.1, making it a versatile and high-performing solution for various power conversion needs.

Furthermore, the incorporation of additional capacitive-based converter stages, both before and after the piezoelectric DC-DC converter, plays a crucial role in enhancing overall performance. These supplementary stages contribute to optimizing the efficiency and reliability of the converter, ensuring that it delivers consistent and stable power output across different operating conditions. The synergistic combination of piezoelectric and capacitive technologies sets this converter apart as a game-changer in the realm of power electronics.