A voltage multiplying AC/DC converter for energy harvesting applications

Abstract

This paper presents a low voltage AC/DC converter using a voltage multiplier circuit for energy harvesting applications where a low voltage AC waveform used to charge a battery. The circuit rectified and boosted the AC input voltages in the range of 0.5-4 V and 40-150 Hz to a DC voltage in the range of 0.8-12 V. A maximum power efficiency of 71% achieved for AC amplitude 1.5 V with temperature measurements between -40 to +50 ° C. The proposed circuit fabricated using TSMC 130nm CMOS technology with an active area of 0.249 mm.