Summary:
UCLA researchers in the Department of Materials Science and Engineering have developed a non-switching optoelectronic voltage conversion platform capable of voltage boost conversion at low input voltages on a miniature scale.
Background:
Voltage conversion is crucial for powering industrial systems, home appliances, electric vehicles, and reducing energy loss in transmission, while also playing a pivotal role in modern energy systems like solar and sensor technologies. However, current methods, such as transformers and charge pumps, are limited by size, high power losses, and electromagnetic interference, leading to voltage ripples. Charge pumps are also unable to operate efficiently at low input voltages, requiring a bootstrap process that introduces start-up delays, decreasing reliability, and adding complexity. Thus, there is an unmet need for a reliable, compact, cost-effective solution for energy efficient voltage boost conversion.
Innovation:
Prof. Raman and his research team have developed a chip-scale, monolithic, non-switching voltage conversion platform that achieves high gain, bootstrap-free low-input voltage boost conversion. Unlike traditional methods, this chip-scale device combines cutting-edge optoelectronics into a single chip, leading to simplified production and greater energy efficiency. By preventing energy losses and optimizing power transfer, the device has achieved remarkable performance gains, including a 60-fold increase in current density. By integrating optoelectronic properties into a single chip, fabrication is simplified and power conversion efficiency improved. This innovation also functions with extremely low voltages, well below typical LED requirements, making it versatile for a wide range of energy sources.
Potential Applications:
● Low-power IoT devices
● Wearable electronics
● Optocouplers
● Sensing technologies
● Lighting systems
● Grid-scale systems
● Electric Vehicles
Advantages:
● Miniaturization
● Efficient low-input voltage operation
● Reduced energy losses
● High gain, bootstrap-free boost conversion
State of Development:
The proposed voltage boost converter architecture has been validated through design, fabrication, and experimental testing of a single-die monolithically integrated optoelectronic chip. Results confirm successful PV voltage boost performance, demonstrating the feasibility of the proposed design and possibility for future enhancement.
Related Papers:
Pre-print: Chip-scale monolithic optoelectronic voltage boost conversion.
Reference:
UCLA Case No. 2025-033
Lead Inventor:
Dr. Aaswath Raman, Professor of Materials Science and Engineering