1. Introduction

The chapter delves into the necessity of high-voltage conversion, discussing the prevalence of high-voltage power sources and the growing demand for low-power applications. It examines the substantial voltage gap between these sources and applications, setting initial requirements for bridging this gap. The text explores the advantages of high-voltage sources, such as the AC mains, and the limitations of alternative power sources like batteries and energy harvesters. It also discusses the trend toward higher voltages in DC buses and batteries due to increased power demands in various industries. The chapter then focuses on the need for low supply voltages in numerous low-power applications, emphasizing the importance of voltage converters for bridging this gap. It introduces the concept of complete integration for voltage converters, highlighting the advantages in terms of cost, size, and performance. The text also reviews existing solutions and their limitations, setting the stage for the exploration of switched-capacitor converters as a promising solution for full integration. The chapter concludes by outlining the objectives and methodology for integrating high-voltage switched-capacitor converters within a high-voltage CMOS technology, offering a glimpse into the innovative approaches and challenges ahead.