Chip-Sized Hybrid Electromechanical Transformer for Low Frequency, High Voltage Gain AC/AC Transformations for Small Electronics

Excels at power management for ultra-low-power wake up circuits or AC/DC power conversions

This chip-sized, electromechancial transformer is designed to be integrated with other modern electronics for voltage/current transformation, power conversion, impedance matching, and wake-up circuits. Commonly used transformers generally require large coil windings and a large ferrite core, making them too large/bulky to be integrated into many modern electronics such as mobile phones, tablets, laptops, and more. The hybrid electromechanical transformer has both a low footprint and profile as it does not contain a core material, making it ideal for integration in portable electronic devices. Additionally, this transformer amplifies low input voltages by roughly 30x and operates at ultra-low frequencies. In 2019, the global consumer electronics market size was $729.11 billion and is projected to surpass $989.37 billion in 2027. Clearly, the consumer electronic market is only going to rise as technology improves; adopting this technology is applicable for consumer electronic products.

Researchers at the University of Florida have developed a hybrid electromechanical transformer for bi-direction power conversions, allowing for an increase in voltage, current, or impedance depending on operation. It enables sub-1µW power dissipation and low driving frequency (<1.1 kHz). Additionally, the hybrid transformer uses a coupling between magnetic, mechanical, and electrical domains to exchange electrical power between electrodynamic and piezoelectric transduction ports ending with an increased voltage of 30x. Compared to common power transformers, this hybrid transformer is smaller, operates at a lower frequency, offers lower power dissipation, and has a high voltage gain (~ 30x).

Application

Transformer that increases voltages up to 30x for use in wake-up circuits, impedance matching circuits, or AC/DC power conversions

Advantages

• Increases voltage and operates at a low-frequency range than commonly-used transformers
• Small size, allowing for integration in slim profile electronics
• Sub-1µW power dissipation, offering suitable alternative for low-power applications
• Can be integrated in many small consumer electronics for better power management

Technology

This magnetic and piezoelectric hybrid electromechanical transformer was initially developed as a receiver for use in wireless charging of small electronic devices. This transformer passively transfers electrical power by coupling electrodynamic and piezoelectric transducers, allowing large transformations of voltage, current, or impedance. This transformer utilizes a coupling between magnetic, mechanical, and electrical domains to exchange electrical power between the input and output ports.