Step-up DC-DC-converter with coupled inductors for low input voltages

Abstract

Step-up dc-dc converters have to cope with extremely low input voltages when used in combination with energy harvesting sources like thermogenerators, inductive generators or solar cells. The presented dc-dc converter is characterized by a high efficiency, up to 70 % in the input voltage range between 200 mV and 500 mV, and a minimum start-up voltage of 70 mV. It can deliver an output power of about 5 mW with an input voltage of 300 mV and an input current of 3.5 mA for an output voltage of 2 V.