Design of a self-oscillating dc-dc boost converter with constant efficiency in a wide power range for energy harvesting applications

The current paper proposes a novel self-oscillating dc-dc boost converter with constant efficiency in a wide power range, for low energy harvesting applications. The circuit is designed for efficient operation in a wide power range and consumes less than 400nW at 5V power supply. The circuit's output is a current pulse which is generated each time the unit collects the required energy. This gives the ability to many identical circuits to be connected at a common output. It also offers input-impedance control capability via an external analog input pin, that must be set by the user. The circuit was constructed using commercially available discrete components for verification of its operation. The operation principle of the converter is supported with simulation and experimental results.