Low-power DC-DC converters for smart and environmentally-friendly electric vehicles: design, simulation, and fabrication on a glass substrate

Abstract

This research focuses on evaluating and comparing different DC-DC converter designs, specifically for low power applications. The study considers inductor-based, switching capacitor, and linear voltage regulator (LVR) DC-DC converters. While there has been critical investigation of DC-DC converters in the literature, there is a gap in assessing their performance based on a comprehensive set of conflicting parameters. Additionally, there is a lack of research on matching the most suitable DC-DC converter with specific low power applications. The chosen application for this study is a DC-DC converter on a glass substrate, specifically for smart glass in electric vehicles. The research presents a complete process that includes design, simulation, layout, fabrication, and measurement. Through simulations, a 4.8 V to 3.3 V buck converter is recommended, demonstrating an almost ideal response time and minimal output ripples. Experimental measurements also confirm a low output ripple of 0.3 %. By addressing this research gap and providing a comprehensive evaluation of DC-DC converters, this study contributes to the development of efficient and reliable power solutions for smart glass applications in electric vehicles.

Keywords

• Buck converter
• Inductor-based dc-dc converter
• Inductor-less dc-dc converters
• Power conversion
• Voltage regulation