2. Fundamentals of Fully Integrated Switched-Capacitor Converters

This chapter explores the fundamentals of fully integrated switched-capacitor converters (SCCs), which are proposed as a solution for high-voltage converters in the milliwatt power range. It begins by elucidating the operational principle of an SCC using a basic down-converter, where power switches control the charge transfer between flying capacitors. The chapter then analyzes the equivalent model of the SCC, highlighting intrinsic losses such as charge-sharing losses and ohmic losses, which depend on the switching frequency. Additionally, extrinsic losses from parasitic capacitors in power switches and flying capacitors are examined. The control strategies for managing load and line variations are discussed, including modulating the output impedance and adjusting the ideal voltage conversion ratio (iVCR). The chapter concludes by emphasizing the trade-off between efficiency and power density in SCCs, setting the stage for further exploration in subsequent chapters.