Implementing IC based designs for 3.3-V supplies

Many of today's VLSI chips operate at 3.3V, ultimately requiring DC-DC converters that are light, small, and ideally, realized in IC technology. Recent developments in switching-mode power supplies, which contain no magnetic devices have the potential to satisfy the above requirements. These supplies contain only switched-capacitor elements in the power stage, a necessary condition for implementing low-voltage power sources with ICs. We present a new architecture using discrete devices that offers significant potential in IC-based supplies.>