On the Optimal Design of Integrated AC-DC Converters for Energy Harvesting

This work discusses the design of the power train of an integrated buck-boost converter used as an ac-dc converter for energy harvesting. The analysis considers both conduction and driving losses, developing an accurate analytical model for the evaluation and optimization of the efficiency. The optimal switch sizing is compared with other design methodologies both in terms of efficiency and chip area occupation. A simplified heuristic design methodology, that closely tracks the performance achieved with the optimum sizing, is singled out.