[2023] DC-DC Converter in advanced CMOS technology for RF SoC

DC-DC converters are used in most electronic devices, and they play a key role in delivering power from supplies to loads efficiently. They act as the main power valves to control the energy delivery and energy usage efficiency of the system. However, in RF SoCs, the DC-DC converter is less popular than LDOs because the low voltage, high load current, high silicon cost, and required external components, makes DC-DC converter design very challenging in advanced technology and more costly. In addition, DC-DC converters require a dedicated clock, unlike LDOs Nevertheless, the latest push for low-power SOCs makes the need for on-chip DC-DC converters inevitable in most recent products.

In this project, we are going to design a high-efficiency DC-DC converter in advanced CMOS technology targeting RF SoC applications. The input voltage is 3.3V. Both the output voltage（e.g. 1.5V, 0.9V）and the output current capacity(e.g. upto 2A) can be tuned or configured such that only part of the circuitry need modification or redesign in order to meet different requirements while still achieving the optimal silicon area and performance. The isolation between the loads and supplies, and the coupling between the supply and the RF circuit can be another challenge in addition to all standard requirements and features for a DC-DC converter. 

This project comes with a monthly stipend lasting for ~1 year.

Assignment

1. Literature review of DC/DC converter and associated power management circuits.
2. Design of a highly efficient DC/DC converter with 28nm technology. Tape-out is possible depending on the design and available time.

Requirements

You should be familiar with analog IC design and Cadence environment. If you are interested, please send your CV, BSc transcripts and MSc grades (obtained to date) to Sijun Du at email: Sijun.Du@tudelft.nl

Contact

Last modified: 2023-09-21