[2023] High-Efficiency Boost Converters with Fast Dynamic Response for Audio Applications (2 vacancies)

Descriptions: 

Portable electronic devices require highly-efficient power management ICs to maximize battery life time. Conventional boost converters step up and regulate the output voltage with a well-defined and fixed feedback mode. For audio systems, the huge current fluctuation caused by load variation (when playing music) forces designers to sacrifice efficiency and bandwidth for stability and safety. Furthermore, the battery condition varies from time to time, both of the input and output at the boost converter are highly dynamic, which limits the design flexibility. Improving the boost efficiency and dynamic response are the two main challenges for audio systems. In the project, we are going to develop a boost converter for portable audio systems, either focusing on efficiency or dynamic response. Exploiting new architectures (digital or hybrid) is highly appreciated.

There are two vacancies with two different research directions. Both vacancies come with monthly stipends lasting for ~1 year. 

Vacancy #1: Efficiency target

• Input voltage range (Vin): 2.5V-5.5V
• Output voltage range: Vin - 15V
• Efficiency@1W: >92%
• Over current protection with 0.2A precision

Vacancy #2: Dynamic response target

• Input voltage range (Vin): 2.5V-5.5V
• Output voltage range: Vin - 15V
• Efficiency@1W: >90%
• Bandwidth: >500kHz
• Ripple: <50mV
• Over current protection with 0.2A precision

About the company: 

Silicon Integrated Co., Ltd is a high-tech startup company focused on high-performance mixed-signal IC design. It was founded in January 2016 in Wuhan and it has R&D centers in Europe, Shenzhen, and Shanghai. Silicon Integrated has two main product lines: 3D image sensors and smart audio amplifiers. The smart audio amplifier wins over the business through excellent product differentiation, with high-quality performance and competitive price. The business value is fully recognized by the tier-one smartphone manufacturers in China. 

References: 

[1] N. Pal et al., "A 91.15% Efficient 2.3-5-V Input 10-35-V Output Hybrid Boost Converter for LED-Driver Applications," IEEE Journal of Solid-State Circuits, pp. 1-1, 2021, doi: 10.1109/JSSC.2021.3098495.

[2] M. Huang, Y. Lu, T. Hu, and R. P. Martins, "A Hybrid Boost Converter With Cross-Connected Flying Capacitors," IEEE Journal of Solid-State Circuits, vol. 56, no. 7, pp. 2102-2112, 2021, doi: 10.1109/JSSC.2020.3044062.

[3] D. Cho et al., "A High-Efficiency Single-Mode Dual-Path Buck-Boost Converter With Reduced Inductor Current," in IEEE Journal of Solid-State Circuits, doi: 10.1109/JSSC.2022.3230424.

Assignment

1. Literature review of circuit architectures of the boost converters.
2. Design and simulate your new boost converter.
3. Tape-out is encouraged, followed by chip measurements.

Requirements

• Familiar with Cadence design tool
• Good knowledge of analog and mixed-signal design
• Strong communications, documentation, and presentation skills
• Highly self-motivated and enjoying solving difficult challenges
• Currently enrolled in or entering a Master's degree program in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, or related fields

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Last modified: 2023-11-15