Miniaturized, low-voltage power converters with fast dynamic response

Abstract

This thesis introduces a two-stage architecture that combines the strengths of switched capacitor (SC) techniques (small size, light-load performance) with the high efficiency and regulation capability of switch-mode power converters. The resulting designs have a superior efficient-power density trade-off over traditional designs. These power converters can provide numerous lowvoltage outputs over a wide input voltage range with a very fast dynamic response, which are ideal for powering logic devices in the mobile and high-performance computing markets. Both design and fabrication considerations for power converters using this architecture are addressed. The results are demonstrated in a 2.4 W dc-dc converter implemented in a 180 nm CMOS IC process and co-packaged with its passive components for high-performance. The converter operates from an input voltage of 2.7 V to 5.5 V with an output voltage of </= 1.2 V, and achieves a 2210 W/inch³ power density with >/= 80% efficiency.