Chip implementation of low-power high-efficient buck converter for battery-powered IOT applications

IoT and wearable medical devices frequently require ultra-low power solutions that can support long spells of inactivity. This study presents a buck converter to control power stages using a novel pulse frequency modulation (PFM) system that reduces switching losses for low-power systems. The modulation of high and low-frequencies was demonstrated, where the high-frequencies exhibited better energy transformation between the inductor and capacitor, and the low-frequencies could be adjusted for different current loads, to reduce switching losses. This circuit is optimized for light load applications. Using voltage control oscillation (VCO), the frequency range of 0.5 MHz – 2.0 MHz can be adjusted to influence conversion efficiency for different loads. The design was simulated and then fabricated using TSMC 0.18um process. The core size was about 1500 × 1000um that includes power MOS. Measurements result an average conversion efficiency of 91% under a load of 0.1 mA – 10 mA. This chip is suitable for battery-based IoT systems, or wearable medical devices.