Towards Energy-autonomous Integrated Systems Through Ultra-low Voltage Analog IC Design

V. Stopjaková, M. Kováč, D. Arbet, L. Nagy (Slovak Univ. of Techn. in Bratislava, Slovakia)

In this paper, we bring an overview of main obstacles, limitations and challenges in design of ultra-low voltage analog integrated circuits in nanoscale technologies. Low-voltage and low-power circuits are designed using unconventional design techniques based either on non-standard devices and structures or new circuit topologies and transistors working in sub-threshold region. The low-voltage design methods and approaches will be described and evaluated. Then, examples of ultra-low voltage circuits designed in standard CMOS technology are presented. Finally, an experimental energy harvesting system for implantable medical devices using electromagnetic energy transfer through on-chip antenna, implemented in a standard CMOS process, is presented. This self-powered system employs several low-voltage and low-power circuits and blocks for voltage conversion and power management.