Modelling and analysis of a MEMS approach to DC voltage step-up conversion

This paper studies the principle of a novel voltage step-up converter based on a micromachined variable parallel-plate capacitor in combination with an electrostatic actuator. Electrical equivalent circuit and system-level SIMULINK models have been developed. Based on these models, an analysis of design parameters and expected device performance has been performed to serve as a starting point for a prototype implementation. Possible areas of application are self-powered, stand-alone sensing systems, aerospace applications and any kind of electrostatic or piezoelectric MEMS devices in general.status: publishe