energies
Article
Self-Oscillating Boost Converter of Wiegand Pulse Voltage for
Self-Powered Modules
Xiaoya Sun 1 , Haruchika Iijima 1 , Stefano Saggini 2 and Yasushi Takemura 1, *






Citation: Sun, X.; Iijima, H.; Saggini,
S.; Takemura, Y. Self-Oscillating Boost
Converter of Wiegand Pulse Voltage
for Self-Powered Modules. Energies
2021, 14, 5373. https://doi.org/
10.3390/en14175373
Academic Editor: Dibin Zhu
Received: 2 July 2021
Accepted: 25 August 2021
Published: 29 August 2021
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with regard to jurisdictional claims in
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iations.
Copyright: © 2021 by the authors.
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This article is an open access article
distributed under the terms and
conditions of the Creative Commons
Attribution (CC BY) license (https://
creativecommons.org/licenses/by/
4.0/).
Energies 2021, 14, 5373. https://doi.org/10.3390/en14175373
1 Electrical and Computer Engineering, Yokohama National University, Yokohama 240-8501, Japan;
sun-xiaoya-tk@ynu.jp (X.S.); iijima-haruchika-xy@ynu.jp (H.I.)
2 Department of Electrical, Management and Mechanical Engineering, University of Udine, 33100 Udine, Italy;
stefano.saggini@uniud.it
* Correspondence: takemura-yasushi-nx@ynu.ac.jp
Abstract: This paper introduces a new method of electricity generation using a Wiegand sensor.
The Wiegand sensor consists of a magnetic wire and a pickup coil wound around it. This sensor
generates a pulse voltage of approximately 5 V and 20 µs width as an induced voltage in the pickup
coil. The aim of this study is to generate a DC voltage of 5 V from the sensor, which is expected
to be used as a power source in self-powered devices and battery-less modules. We report on
the design and verification of a self-oscillating boost converter circuit in this paper. A DC voltage
obtained by rectifying and smoothing the pulse voltage generated from the Wiegand sensor was
boosted by the circuit. A stable DC output voltage in the order of 5 V for use as a power supply in
electronics modules was successfully obtained. A quantitative analysis of the power generated by
the Wiegand sensor revealed a suitable voltage-current range for application in self-powered devices
and battery-less modules.
Keywords: self-powered device; battery-less modules; energy harvesting; Wiegand sensor; self-
oscillating boost converter
1. Introduction
In the Internet of Things (IoT) society, electronic devices and modules can be con-
nected to the internet and exchange information through various sensors [1]. These are
generally called IoT devices. The number of IoT devices is increasing rapidly and is ex-
pected to reach 80–120 billion by 2025 [2]. A significant number of batteries that need
expensive and time-consuming maintenance are required for these devices, which also
cause environmental pollution. Energy harvesting, such as collecting small amounts of
energy from the surroundings and converting them into electrical energy, is expected
to solve this problem [3,4]. Energy from the surrounding environment, if available, can
continuously supply electrical power, and thus, be used as an independent power source
for long periods of time, without replacing the power harness and battery. With develop-
ments in miniaturization and energy-saving approaches, low-power power supplies can
gradually satisfy the many requirements of IoT devices [5]. This research introduces the
use of a self-oscillating boost converter circuit for electricity generation using a Wiegand
sensor [6,7] as an energy-harvesting element.
The Wiegand sensor generates pulse voltages that do not depend on the frequency
of the external magnetic field [8]. These pulse voltages are generated with a constant
intensity, even under ultra-slow changes in the magnetic field. Therefore, the Wiegand
sensor has attracted significant attention as a power supply for the battery-less operation of
electronic devices and for energy harvesting [9]. The contribution of this research involves
the development of a DC power supply for electronic devices and modules using the
Wiegand sensor. It is essential to build a DC power supply of 5 V because it can be used for
multiple IoT devices. The power generated by the Wiegand sensor is in the order of 1 mW,
https://www.mdpi.com/journal/energies
Energies 2021, 14, 5373 2 of 1

multiple IoT devices. The power generated by the Wiegand sensor is in the order of 1 mW
Energies 2021, 14, 5373 even when the frequency of the applied magnetic field is as low as 1 kHz [8]. 2In of this
12 study

we designed and verified a self-oscillating boost converter circuit [10–12] connected to th

Wiegand sensor as a power generator. DC power generation of 5 V was realized using th
Wiegand
even when sensor; this may
the frequency not
of the be achievable
applied magnetic using
field isother
as lowmethods
as 1 kHz under an excitation
[8]. In this study, fre
we designed
quency of 1and
kHz. verified a self-oscillating boost converter circuit [10–12] connected to the
Wiegand sensor
The remainderas a power
of thisgenerator.
paper is DC power generation
organized as follows: of Following
5 V was realized using
the introduction o
the Wiegand sensor; this may not be achievable using other methods under an
the Wiegand sensor and its pulse generation in Section 2, the circuits for DC conversion excitation
frequency of 1 kHz.
of the pulse voltage and the self-oscillating boost converter are presented in Section 3. In
The remainder of this paper is organized as follows: Following the introduction of
Section
the 4, wesensor
Wiegand present
andtheitscircuit propertiesinofSection
pulse generation the self-oscillating
2, the circuits boost
for DCconverter
conversion connected
tothe
of thepulse
Wiegand sensor,
voltage and thederived both experimentally
self-oscillating boost converterand
arethrough
presented simulations.
in Section 3.Finally,
In th
conclusions of this study are presented in Section 5.
Section 4, we present the circuit properties of the self-oscillating boost converter connected
to the Wiegand sensor, derived both experimentally and through simulations. Finally, the
2. WiegandofSensor
conclusions as aare
this study Voltage Source
presented in Section 5.
2.1.
2. Measurement
Wiegand Sensorof
asPulse Voltage
a Voltage from the Wiegand Sensor
Source
We used a of
2.1. Measurement magnet wire composed
Pulse Voltage of iron–cobalt–vanadium
from the Wiegand Sensor (FeCoV) with a diamete
of 0.25
We mm
used and a length
a magnet wireof 11 mm. of
composed The Wiegand sensor used
iron–cobalt–vanadium in this
(FeCoV) study
with consisted of
a diameter
wire
of 0.25and
mmaandpickup coil of
a length with 3000The
11 mm. turns woundsensor
Wiegand aroundusedit. in
The
thismagnetic properties
study consisted of of thi
awire
wireare
andessentially
a pickup coil
thewith
same3000 turns we
as those wound
havearound it. Thereported
previously magneticinproperties
detail [13].of Its mag
this
neticwire are essentially
structure is shown theinsame as those
Figure we outer
1. The have previously
layer and reported
inner core in detail
exhibit[13].
softItsand hard
magnetic structure is shown in Figure 1. The outer layer and inner core
magnetic properties with lower (1.6 kA/m) and higher (6.4 kA/m) coercive forces, exhibit soft and respec
hard magnetic properties with lower (1.6 kA/m) and higher (6.4 kA/m) coercive forces,
tively. The direction of magnetization of these layers can be either in parallel or antiparal
respectively. The direction of magnetization of these layers can be either in parallel or
lel configurations, as shown in Figure 1—a specific feature of the Wiegand wire.
antiparallel configurations, as shown in Figure 1—a specific feature of the Wiegand wire.

Figure1.1.Two
Figure Twostates
states
of of magnetization
magnetization direction
direction of theof the Wiegand
Wiegand wire:
wire: (a) (a) parallel
parallel and (b) antiparalle
and (b) antiparallel
states of the soft layer and hard core.
states of the soft layer and hard core.

When
Whena amagnetic
magnetic field exceeds
field the coercive
exceeds force force
the coercive of the of
soft layer,
the softthe latter
layer, exhibits
the latter exhibit
a fast magnetization reversal, which is called the Wiegand effect [6]. A pulse voltage is
a fast magnetization reversal, which is called the Wiegand effect [6]. A pulse voltage i
induced in the pickup coil wound around the wire [8,14]. The Wiegand sensor consists of a
induced in the pickup coil wound around the wire [8,14]. The Wiegand sensor consists o
Wiegand wire and a pickup coil. As fast magnetization reversal is initiated independently
a Wiegand
from wireratio
the changing andofathepickup
appliedcoil. As fast
magnetic field,magnetization
the intensity andreversal
width ofis theinitiated
pulse inde
pendently from the changing ratio of the applied magnetic field, the
are constant [15]. Figure 2 shows the measured waveform of the pulse voltage generated intensity and width
of thethe
from pulse are constant
Wiegand [15].
sensor. We Figure 2the
measured shows the measured
waveform waveform
of the open-circuit of theacross
voltage pulse voltag
generated
both ends offrom the Wiegand
the pickup coil usingsensor. We measured
an oscilloscope theintensity
[8,9]. The waveform and of the open-circuit
frequency of the volt
alternating applied magnetic field were 3.2 kA/m and 1 kHz, respectively. An
age across both ends of the pickup coil using an oscilloscope [8,9]. The intensity and fre excitation
coil with of
quency 25 the
mm alternating
length, 22 mm diameter,
applied and 90 turns
magnetic field was
were used. An alternating
3.2 kA/m and 1 kHz, magnetic
respectively
An excitation coil with 25 mm length, 22 mm diameter, and 90 turns was used. An
nergies 2021, 14, 5373 a signal generator, and a bipolar amplifier. Positive and negative puls
µs were alternatingly induced in the pickup within 1 ms. These wer
tromagnetic induction caused by the change in magnetic flux corresp
Energies 2021, 14, 5373 3 of 12
nating magnetization reversal of the soft layer.
alternating magnetic field was applied to the Wiegand sensor by usin
a signal generator, and a bipolar amplifier. Positive and negative puls
field was applied to the Wiegand sensor by using the excitation coil, a signal generator, and
µs were alternatingly induced in the pickup within 1 ms. These wer
a bipolar amplifier. Positive and negative pulses with widths of 20 µs were alternatingly
tromagnetic
induced induction
in the pickup caused
within 1 ms. by the
These were change
attributed in magnetic
to electromagnetic flux corresp
induction
caused by the change in magnetic flux corresponding
nating magnetization reversal of the soft layer. to the alternating magnetization
reversal of the soft layer.

Figure 2. Measured waveform of the pulse voltage generated by the Wiegand

of the applied magnetic field was 1 kHz.

2.2. Pulse Voltage from the Wiegand Sensor Used as a Voltage Source in Si
Figure 2.As
Figure 2. previously
Measured waveform ofreported, wegenerated
the pulse voltage can determine
by the Wiegandthe equivalent
sensor. The frequency circu
Measured waveform of the
of the applied magnetic field was 1 kHz.
pulse voltage generated by the Wiegand
gand
of sensor magnetic
the applied [16]. Thefield
intrinsic kHz. voltage, Vin, of the Wiegand se
was 1pulse
2.2. Pulse Voltage
evaluate thefrom the Wiegand Sensor
application Used as aof
circuits Voltage
the Source in Simulation
Wiegand sensor through M
As previously reported, we can determine the equivalent circuit model of the Wiegand
simulations.
2.2.
sensor Pulse
[16]. The
Figure
Voltage from3voltage,
intrinsic pulse
shows
the Wiegand the waveform
Vin , of theSensor
WiegandUsed
ofwas
sensor as
the intrinsic
adefined
Voltage pulse
Source
to evaluate in vo
Sim
from
the thepreviously
application
As Wiegand
circuits of thesensor. The
Wiegand sensor
reported, weperformances
®
of the
through MATLAB /Simulink
can determine the equivalent
simulated
® simulations. and e
circui
Figure 3 shows the waveform of the intrinsic pulse voltage, Vin , generated from the
were in
gand sensor agreement
[16]. when employing
The intrinsic the
pulse voltage,equivalent circuit
Vin, ofcircuits model
the Wiegand of
se
Wiegand sensor. The performances of the simulated and experimental were in
which
agreement consisted
when of
employing V in as
the a voltage
equivalent circuitsource,
model of
evaluate the application circuits of the Wiegand sensor through M an
the internal
Wiegand resistance
sensor, which of 18
consisted of V
ance of 17in mH as a voltage source, an internal resistance of 180 Ω,
[16]. 3 shows the waveform of the intrinsic pulse voand an inductance of
simulations.
17 mH [16]. Figure
from the Wiegand sensor. The performances of the simulated and e
were in agreement when employing the equivalent circuit model of t
which consisted of Vin as a voltage source, an internal resistance of 18
ance of 17 mH [16].

Figure 3. Waveform of the intrinsic pulse voltage, Vin , generated from the Wiegand sensor, used to
Figurethe3.circuit
simulate Waveform of the®intrinsic
through MATLAB /Simulink® .pulse voltage,
The excitation the W Vin, generated
frequency is 1 kHz. from
simulate the circuit through MATLAB /Simulink . The excitation frequency
® ®

2.3. DC Conversion of Wiegand Pulse Voltage

AC–DC
Figure conversion
3. Waveform is used to
of the intrinsic obtain
pulse a DCVvoltage
voltage, from the Wiega
in, generated from the W
Energies 2021, 14, 5373 4 of 12

2.3. DC Conversion of Wiegand Pulse Voltage

AC–DC conversion is used to obtain a DC voltage from the Wiegand pulse voltage,
as shown in Figure 4. The alternatingly positive and negative pulse voltages are rectified
by the rectifier circuit using diodes. A smoothing filter circuit using a capacitor converts
the pulse voltages to DC. Figure 5 shows the DC conversion circuit, diode parameters,
capacitor, and resistor used in our experiments and simulations. D1 –D4 , indicated in
Figure 5, represent the diodes (RBR3MM30A) for rectification. RLoad is a 5.5 MΩ load
Energies
Energies2021,
2021,14,
14,5373
5373 resister. C1 was used as a smoothing capacitor in the range of 1–220 nF to analyze 44 ofof 11a
11

Energies 2021, 14, 5373

processed and constant DC voltage. C1 = 1, 10, 20, 50, 100, or 220 nF was connected 4 of 11
to
the full-wave bridge rectifier, and waveforms of the output voltage, Vout , were measured.
Figure 6a shows
waveforms
waveforms of
ofthe that
theoutput
outputVout saturates
voltage,
voltage, VVout , at 2.77measured.
were V, regardless
Figure of 6a
theshows
capacitance
that Voutofsaturates
out, were measured. Figure 6a shows that Vout saturates
C1 . The
relaxation
at 2.77 V,
atwaveforms time
regardless
2.77 V, regardlessof the
of saturation
the is
capacitance
of thevoltage,
capacitancelonger
of C for a
1. The smaller C
relaxation
of C1measured.
. The relaxation 1 . Figure
time of 6b
the shows the
saturation simulated
is
islonger
of the output Vout, were Figuretime of thethat
6a shows saturation longer
Vout saturates® was
waveforms
for
for aasmaller
smallerof the output
CC1.1.Figure
Figure 6bvoltage,
6b shows
shows which
the
the agree
simulated
simulated with the experimental
waveforms
waveforms of
of the
the results.
output
output LTspice
voltage,
voltage, which
which
at 2.77 V, regardless of the capacitance of C1. The relaxation time of the saturation is longer
used with
agree
agree for the
the circuit simulation
experimental [16].LTspice
results. ® was used for the circuit simulation [16].
for a with the
smaller C experimental results.
1. Figure 6b shows theLTspice
simulated® was used for the circuit simulation [16].
waveforms of the output voltage, which
agree with the experimental results. LTspice® was used for the circuit simulation [16].

Figure
Figure4.4.Block
Blockdiagram
Block diagramfor
diagram forDC
DCconversion
conversionof
ofthe
theWiegand
Wiegandpulse
pulsevoltage.
voltage.
Figure 4. Block diagram for DC conversion of the Wiegand pulse voltage.

Figure
Figure5.5.
Figure
Figure 5.DC
5. DCconversion
DC conversioncircuit
conversion
conversion circuitconnected
circuit
circuit connected
connected to
connectedtoto the
tothe
the equivalent
theequivalent
equivalent circuit
circuit
circuit
equivalent model
model
circuit of of
model
model ofthe
of
the theWiegand
Wiegand
Wiegand
the Wiegand sensor.
sensor.
sensor.
sensor.

555 1 nF11nF
nF
10 nF
10 nF10 nF
444 20 nF
20 nF
20 nF
50 nF
50 nF
50 nF
[V]
Voltage [V]

100 100
nF nF
[V]

33 100 nF
220 220
nF nF
3 220 nF
Voltage
Voltage

22
2
11
1
0
000 2 4 6 8 10
00 22 44 [ms]66
Time 88 10
10
Time
Time[ms]
[ms]
(a) Measured output voltage (b) Simulated output voltage
(a)
(a)Measured
Measuredoutput
outputvoltage
voltage (b)
(b)Simulated
Simulatedoutput
outputvoltage
voltage
Figure 6.
Figure 6. (a)
(a)Measured
Measuredand (b) (b)
and simulated output
simulated voltages
output after DC
voltages conversion
after of the Wiegand
DC conversion of the pulse
Wiegand
Figure
Figure 6.6.(a)
(a)Measured
Measuredand
and(b)
(b)simulated
simulatedoutput
outputvoltages
voltagesafter
afterDC
DCconversion
conversionofofthe
theWiegand
Wiegandpulse
pulse
voltage.
pulse voltage.
voltage.
voltage.
The frequency of the ripple was 2 kHz, i.e., twice the excitation frequency, because of
the The
Thefrequency
frequency
full-wave of
ofthe
rectifier. Theripple
the ripple
outputwas
was 22kHz,
kHz,
voltage i.e.,
i.e.,twice
ripple twice
is the
high forexcitation
the excitation frequency,
C1 ≤ 20 nF,frequency, because
low of
because
and it is very of
the
thefull-wave
for full-wave rectifier.
C1 > 20 nF.rectifier.
The rippleThe
The output
output
rate, voltage
voltage
Ripple, ripple is high
ripple is high
was calculated for
usingfor C 1 ≤ 20 nF, and it is very low
theCfollowing
1 ≤ 20 nF,equation:
and it is very low
for
forCC11>>20
20nF.
nF.The
Theripple
ripplerate,
rate,Ripple,
Ripple, was calculated using the following equation:
𝑉 was𝑉calculated using the following equation:
𝑅𝑖𝑝𝑝𝑙𝑒 𝑉 𝑉𝑉 𝑉𝑉 100 % (1)
𝑅𝑖𝑝𝑝𝑙𝑒
𝑅𝑖𝑝𝑝𝑙𝑒 100
100 %% (1)
(1)
𝑉𝑉
where Vmax, Vmin, and Vaverage are the maximum, minimum, and average voltages, respec-
 Energies 2021, 14, 5373 5 of 12

The frequency of the ripple was 2 kHz, i.e., twice the excitation frequency, because of
the full-wave rectifier. The output voltage ripple is high for C1 ≤ 20 nF, and it is very low
for C1 > 20 nF. The ripple rate, Ripple, was calculated using the following equation:

Vmax − Vmin
Ripple = × 100 [%] (1)
Vaverage

Energies 2021, 14, 5373 where V max , V min , and V average are the maximum, minimum, and average voltages, respec-
tively, applied for 1 ms during one cycle of excitation. The ripple rates calculated from the
experimental and simulated output voltages are shown in Figure 7.

Figure Ripple
Figure7. 7. of the
Ripple of output voltage.
the output voltage.
3. Self-Oscillating Boost Converter Circuit
3. Self-Oscillating Boost
As mentioned in Section 2.2,Converter Circuit
the maximum voltage obtained at the smoothing capacitor
after DC
Asconversion
mentioned of the Wiegand2.2,
in Section pulse
thevoltage
maximumis 2.77 V. It is fundamental
voltage obtainedto atobtain a
the smoothin
DC voltage of 5 V for operating several electronics modules. In this study, we apply a self-
itor after DC conversion of the Wiegand pulse voltage is 2.77 V. It is fundamental t
oscillating boost converter circuit for a Wiegand pulse voltage. The feature of the booster
a DC voltage
converter is that ofthe5energy
V for stored
operating
in an several
inductor electronics
increases themodules. In this
output voltage, study, we
which
self-oscillating
then exceeds the inputboostvoltage.
converter
Figurecircuit
8 shows for
theatypical
Wiegand circuitpulse voltage.
of a boost The featur
converter.
The alternating
booster sequence
converter of storing
is that energy in
the energy the inductor
stored and transmitting
in an inductor it back
increases thetooutput
the circuit boosts the voltage. The energy is stored in inductor L when M, a field-effect
which then exceeds the input voltage. Figure 8 shows the typical circuit of a bo
transistor (FET), is in the ON state, whereas the stored energy is transferred from L to
verter. The
capacitor alternating
C when sequence
M is in the OFF state.of storing energy
As a result, Vout in the inductor
higher than Vin isand transmittin
obtained.
to the circuit
Generally, boosts the
the switching ON/OFFvoltage.
of M,The energy
controlled byis anstored
externalinsignal,
inductor L to
is used when
applyM, a fie
this alternating sequence [10]. As this study aims to develop self-powered
transistor (FET), is in the ON state, whereas the stored energy is transferred fr electronic
modules,
capacitortheC external
when M signal
is infor
theanOFF
alternating sequence
state. As cannot
a result, Voutbehigher
used. Therefore,
than Vin isa obtaine
self-oscillating boost converter is employed. Figure 9 shows the self-oscillating boost
erally, the switching ON/OFF of M, controlled by an external signal, is used to ap
converter circuit used in this study for a Wiegand pulse voltage. The input voltage, Vin ,
alternating
of a 20-µs-wide sequence
pulse used [10]. Aspower
as the this study
sourceaims to develop
generates self-powered
an oscillating voltage atelectronic
VC1 . m
thefrequency
The external of signal for an alternating
these oscillations correspondssequence cannot
to a resonant be used.
frequency Therefore,
determined by thea self-os
inductor L and capacitors
boost converter is employed. C 1 and C [11,12]. This oscillation voltage
gsFigure 9 shows the self-oscillating at V C1 switches
boostthe converte
consecutive ON and OFF states of M, as shown in Figure 9.
used in this study for a Wiegand pulse voltage. The input voltage, Vin, of a 20-
pulse used as the power source generates an oscillating voltage at VC1. The frequ
these oscillations corresponds to a resonant frequency determined by the inducto
capacitors C1 and Cgs [11,12]. This oscillation voltage at VC1 switches the consecu
and OFF states of M, as shown in Figure 9.
• ON state of M
When the oscillating pulse voltage at VC1 exceeds the gate threshold voltag
the FET, the FET is turned ON, and Vds drops to the ground level. This allows
IL to flow in L, where the energy is stored. The current flows through the d
and supplies the output voltage, Vout.
• OFF state of M
 When the oscillating pulse voltage at VC1 is below Vth, the FET is tur
energy stored in L during the FET is transmitted to the capacitor of t
through diode D.
Energies 2021, 14, 5373 6 of 12
D prevents a backflow current to L. By repeating the ON/OFF switchin
the FET, a DC output voltage exceeding Vin is obtained.

Energies 2021, 14, 5373

Figure
Figure 8. 8. Boost
Boost converter
converter circuit. circuit.

Figure
Figure 9. 9. Self-oscillating
Self-oscillating boost boost converter
converter circuit. circuit.

• ON state of M
4. Experimental Results
When the oscillating pulseand Discussion
voltage at VC1 exceeds the gate threshold voltage, Vth , of
the FET, the FET is turned ON, and V drops to thefor
4.1. Design of a Self-Oscillating BoostdsConverter ground level.Pulse
Wiegand This allows current
IL to flow in L, where the energy is stored. The current flows through the diode, D,
In supplies
and this study, we designed
the output and
voltage, Vout .
fabricated a rectifying and boosting circuit for
•gandOFFpulse
state voltage
of M in Figure 10. The circuit consists of a bridge rectifier with dio
When the oscillating
self-oscillating pulse voltage
boost converter at VC1 is below
components, Vth ,as
such theinductors,
FET is turned OFF. The n-chan
capacitors,
and diodes, as described in the previous section and in Figures 8 and 9.CDetails
energy stored in L during the FET is transmitted to the capacitor of the output, 2, o
through diode D.
rameters of the circuit elements are indicated in Figure 10 and Table 1. The input v
D prevents a backflow current to L. By repeating the ON/OFF switching sequence of
supplied from a Wiegand sensor. An alternating magnetic field of 3.2 kA/m was ap
the FET, a DC output voltage exceeding Vin is obtained.
the wire. The frequency of this field was 1 kHz. The Wiegand sensor is advanta
4.terms of its efficient
Experimental Resultspower generation at low frequency ranges below 1 kHz [8].
and Discussion
4.1. Design of a Self-Oscillating Boost Converter for Wiegand Pulse
In this study, we designed and fabricated a rectifying and boosting circuit for the
Wiegand pulse voltage in Figure 10. The circuit consists of a bridge rectifier with diodes
and self-oscillating boost converter components, such as inductors, capacitors, n-channel
FET, and diodes, as described in the previous section and in Figures 8 and 9. Details of the
parameters of the circuit elements are indicated in Figure 10 and Table 1. The input voltage
is supplied from a Wiegand sensor. An alternating magnetic field of 3.2 kA/m was applied
to the wire. The frequency of this field was 1 kHz. The Wiegand sensor is advantageous in
terms of its efficient power generation at low frequency ranges below 1 kHz [8].
 In this study, we designed and fabricated a rectifying and boosting circuit for the Wie-
gand pulse voltage in Figure 10. The circuit consists of a bridge rectifier with diodes and
self-oscillating boost converter components, such as inductors, capacitors, n-channel FET,
and diodes, as described in the previous section and in Figures 8 and 9. Details of the pa-
rameters of the circuit elements are indicated in Figure 10 and Table 1. The input voltage is
Energies 2021, 14, 5373 supplied from a Wiegand sensor. An alternating magnetic field of 3.2 kA/m was applied to 7 of 12
the wire. The frequency of this field was 1 kHz. The Wiegand sensor is advantageous in
terms of its efficient power generation at low frequency ranges below 1 kHz [8].

Figure 10. Experimental design of the circuit for the Wiegand sensor with a self-oscillating boost
Figure 10. Experimental design of the circuit for the Wiegand sensor with a self-oscillating
converter.
boost converter.
Table 1. Parameters of the circuit elements for the Wiegand pulse voltage with a self-oscillating
1. Parameters of the circuit elements for the Wiegand pulse voltage with a self-oscillating boost
Tableconverter.
boost
converter.
Component Value/Type (Model Name)
Capacitance: C1
Component 20 nF
Value/Type (Model Name)
Capacitance: C2 60 nF
Capacitance: C1 20 nF
Inductance: L1 4.5 mH
Capacitance: C2 60 nF
Resistance: R4 800 Ω
Inductance: L1 4.5 mH
Diode: D1–D5 R
Resistance: low VF, Schottky (RBR3MM30A)
800 Ω
4
MOSFET:
Diode:MD1 1 –D5 n-channel
low V(RE1C002UN)
F , Schottky (RBR3MM30A)
Energies 2021, 14, 5373 7 of 11
Resistance: RLOADM1
MOSFET: 1 kΩ–5 MΩ (RE1C002UN)
n-channel
Resistance: RLOAD 1 kΩ–5 MΩ

Figure 11 shows the simulated waveforms of the voltages and currents in the self-
Figure 11 shows the simulated waveforms of the voltages and currents in the self-
oscillating boost converter. The rectified voltage of the Wiegand pulse is oscillated by a
oscillating boost converter. The rectified voltage of the Wiegand pulse is oscillated by
aresonance
resonanceofofCC 1 and L1. This oscillated voltage, VC1, switches the FET ON/OFF. Vds con-
1 and L1 . This oscillated voltage, VC1 , switches the FET ON/OFF. Vds
firms the ON/OFF
confirms the ON/OFF status of the
status ofFET. As a As
the FET. result of theof
a result oscillated IL1 andI ID5and
the oscillated andItheand
smooth-
the
L1 D5
ing capacitor C 2, a constant DC voltage is obtained as the output. Vout is 5.1 V, which is
smoothing capacitor C2 , a constant DC voltage is obtained as the output. Vout is 5.1 V,
higheristhan
which the than
higher inputthevoltage
inputofvoltage
VC1, and
of aVDC voltage of 2.77 V is obtained without the
C1 , and a DC voltage of 2.77 V is obtained
booster the
without circuit, as shown
booster circuit,inasFigure
shown6.in Figure 6.

Figure11.
Figure 11.Simulated
Simulatedwaveforms
waveformsofofvoltages
voltagesand
andcurrents
currentsininthe
theself-oscillating
self-oscillatingboost
boostconverter.
converter.

VVout
out depends on the circuit parameters
parameters of
of LL11 and
andCC1,1 ,asasshown
shownininFigure
Figure12.
12.Vout
Voutin-
increases as C decreases. The combination of L = 4.5 mH and C = 20 nF is optimum
creases as C1 1decreases. The combination of L1 =1 4.5 mH and C1 =1 20 nF is optimum for
producing a DC voltage of approximately 5.1 V, thus meeting the aim of this study to
generate a DC voltage of 5 V that can be used as a power source for various electronic
modules. The dependency of the output voltage ripple on capacitor C2 was also studied.
As shown in Figure 13, Vout is not dependent on C2, and is stable with fewer ripples when
 Figure 11. Simulated waveforms of voltages and currents in the self-oscillating boost conv

Energies 2021, 14, 5373 Vout depends on the circuit parameters of L1 and C1, as shown in 8 ofFigure
12 12
creases as C1 decreases. The combination of L1 = 4.5 mH and C1 = 20 nF is optim
producing a DC voltage of approximately 5.1 V, thus meeting the aim of this
generate
for a DC
producing a DCvoltage
voltage ofofapproximately
5 V that can5.1beV, used as a power
thus meeting the aimsource for various
of this study to e
modules.
generate a DCThe dependency
voltage of 5 V thatofcan
thebeoutput
used as voltage
a power ripple onvarious
source for capacitor C2 was also
electronic
modules. The dependency of the output voltage ripple on capacitor C was also studied.
As shown in Figure 13, Vout is not dependent on C2, and is 2stable with fewer rippl
As shown in Figure 13, Vout is not dependent on C2 , and is stable with fewer ripples
C2 > 60 nF.
when C2 > 60 nF.

Energies 2021, 14, 5373

Figure
Figure Dependence
12.12. of theof
Dependence output voltage, voltage,
the output Vout , on parameters L1 and C1 .
Vout, on parameters L1 and C1.

Figure 13. Dependence of the output voltage, Vout , on parameter C2 and its ripple rate.
Figure 13. Dependence of the output voltage, Vout, on parameter C2 and its ripple rate.
4.2. Experimental and Simulated Results of the Self-Oscillating Boost Converter
4.2. Figure
Experimental
14 showsand Simulated Results
the experimental of the Self-Oscillating
and simulated waveforms for theBoost Converter
output and other
voltages of the self-oscillating boost converter circuit presented in Figure 10 and Table 1.
Figure 14 shows the experimental and simulated waveforms for the output a
We measured the waveforms of voltages at Vout , Vds , and VC1 , as indicated in the circuit
voltages of the10,
diagram in Figure self-oscillating boost converter
by using an oscilloscope. circuitfield
Since the applied presented
frequencyin Figure
was 1 kHz,10 and
Wefull-time
the measured the
scale of 0.5waveforms ofcorresponds
ms in Figure 14 voltages at Voutcycle
to one , Vdsof
, and VC1, as indicated
the generated Wiegand in th
diagram
pulse. The in Figureoscillations
observed 10, by using
of Vdsan
, Voscilloscope. Sincewith
C1 , and Vout agreed thethe
applied field frequenc
corresponding
simulated values.
kHz, the full-time scale of 0.5 ms in Figure 14 corresponds to one cycle of the ge
Wiegand pulse. The observed oscillations of Vds, VC1, and Vout agreed with the corr
ing simulated values.
 We measured the waveforms of voltages at Vout, Vds, and VC1, as indicated in the circuit
diagram in Figure 10, by using an oscilloscope. Since the applied field frequency was 1
kHz, the full-time scale of 0.5 ms in Figure 14 corresponds to one cycle of the generated
EnergiesWiegand
2021, 14, 5373pulse. The observed oscillations of Vds, VC1, and Vout agreed with the correspond- 9 of 12

ing simulated values.

(a) Experimental waveforms (b) Simulated waveforms

Figure 14. Waveforms ofWaveforms
Figure 14. Vout, Vds, and V,C1Vds
of Vout in, and
the V
self-oscillating boost converter.
C1 in the self-oscillating boost converter.

Figure 15 shows the time dependency of V . The simulated and observed saturated
out
Figure 15 shows the time dependency of Vout. The simulated and observed saturated
voltages are almost equivalent. We have discussed the experimental and simulated results
voltages are almost equivalent. We have
of the circuit shown discussed
in Figure the resistance
10. The load experimentalRLoad =and
5 MΩsimulated results
was used, corresponding
of the circuit showntoinanFigure almost10. Thecircuit
“open loadcondition”
resistance forRthe = 5 MΩ
Loadoutput. was16
Figure used,
showscorrespond-
the dependence of
ing to an almost Iout circuit
“open and Voutcondition”
on the load for
resistance
the RLoad . Figure
output. Vout decreases
16 as RLoad
shows the increases.
dependence Figure 12
Energies 2021, 14, 5373 9 of 11
shows that Vout changes with C1 , reaching 5 V on adjusting C1 . However, the ripple of
of Iout and
Energies 2021, 14, 5373V out on the load resistance R Load. V out decreases as R Load increases. Figure 12 shows 9 of 11
Vout degrades at C1 < 10 nF.
that Vout changes with C1, reaching 5 V on adjusting C1. However, the ripple of Vout de-
grades at C1 < 10 nF.

Figure
Figure 15.
Figure15. Simulated
Simulated and
15.Simulated andexperimental
and experimental
experimentalDC
DC output
output
DC voltage,
voltage,
output VVout
voltage,out.Vout.

Figure 16. Dependence

Figure16. Dependence of
of simulated
simulated and
andmeasured
measuredVVout and IIout
out and onload
outon loadresistance,
resistance,RRLoad. .
Load

FigureFigure
16. Dependence of simulated
17 shows the and measured
electric power Vout
Pout utilized at and
RLoadI.outAon load resistance,
maximum power of RLoad
63 .µW
was experimentally obtained at RLoad = 10 kΩ, which does not match with the resistance of
Figure coil,
the pickup 17 shows
such asthe
180electric
Ω for thepower
WiegandPout sensor
utilized
[9].atThis
RLoad . A maximum
mismatch power
is attributed of 63 µW
to the
was experimentally
elements obtained
and operation at RLoad = 10 kΩ,
of the self-oscillating boostwhich
circuit.does notwematch
In fact, with thethat
have reported resistance
the of
 Figure 16. Dependence of simulated and measured Vout and Iout on load resistance,
Energies 2021, 14, 5373 10 of 12

Figure 17 shows the electric power Pout utilized at RLoad. A maximum po

was experimentally obtained at RLoad = 10 kΩ, which does not match with th
Figure 17 shows the electric power Pout utilized at RLoad . A maximum power of 63 µW
theexperimentally
was pickup coil,obtained
such asat180RLoadΩ= for thewhich
10 kΩ, Wiegand
does notsensor [9]. the
match with This mismatch
resistance of is a
elements
the andsuch
pickup coil, operation of the
as 180 Ω for self-oscillating
the Wiegand sensor [9].boost circuit.isInattributed
This mismatch fact, wetohave re
the
maximum power was obtained at a load resistance of 2 kΩ, reported
elements and operation of the self-oscillating boost circuit. In fact, we have higher than t
that the maximum power was obtained at a load resistance of 2 kΩ, higher than the DC coil
sistancefor
resistance forthethe Wiegand
Wiegand sensorsensor connected
connected withand
with rectifying rectifying
smoothingand smoothing
circuits [8]. cir

nergies 2021, 14, 5373

Figure 17. Dependence of the output power, Pout , on load resistance, RLoad .
Figure 17. Dependence of the output power, Pout, on load resistance, RLoad.
In this study, an alternating magnetic field is externally applied to the Wiegand sensor
asVexcitation
and
out In thisitsstudy,
energy,ripple anrate
leading to thefunction
generation
alternating ofunder an excitation
the Wiegand
magnetic field pulse voltage. frequency
is externally An applied ofthe
attractive to 1
feature of the Wiegand sensor is that the generated pulse voltage is independent of the
decreases
sor
frequency
with the
as excitation
of the appliedenergy,
frequency.
leading
alternating
However,
magneticto theFigure
field.
Vout ofofapproximately
generation
18 shows the the Wiegand
measured
5Va
Vout andpulse v
are
tractive
its rippleobtained
feature
rate functionatofunder
athe
frequency
Wiegand
an excitationrange
sensor
frequency of up1 kHz
is of
that to
the0.6 kHz.VWhen
generated
and lower; outpulse the frequi
voltage
decreases
with
of the frequency
the frequency. However, Vapplied
out of approximately 5 V and a low ripple rate Figure
are obtained
output voltage of thereaches
still alternating
3.3 V with magnetic
a ripple field.
rate lower 18 shows
than 5%.
at a frequency range of up to 0.6 kHz. When the frequency is 0.4 kHz, the output voltage
that
still the 3.3
reaches self-oscillating
V with a ripple rate boost
lowerconverter
than 5%. This can beindicates
result used in practical
that the self- app
oscillating
source for boostelectronic
converter can be used in practical applications as a power source for
modules.
electronic modules.

Figure 18. Dependence of measured Vout on the frequency and its ripple rate.
Figure 18. Dependence of measured Vout on the frequency and its ripple rate

4.3. Application of the Wiegand Sensor as a Power Source

Figure 19 summarizes the relationship between Vout and Iout, obta
gand sensor with a self-oscillating boost converter. It shows the voltag
 Figure 18. Dependence of measured Vout on the frequency and its ripple rate.

4.3. Application of the Wiegand Sensor as a Power Source

Energies 2021, 14, 5373 11 of 12
Figure 19 summarizes the relationship between Vout and Iout, obtained u
gand sensor with a self-oscillating boost converter. It shows the voltage and
functions forofthe
4.3. Application load resistance
the Wiegand usedSource
Sensor as a Power for practical application as a power so
output of 19
Figure 5V is maintained
summarizes for currents
the relationship betweenupVto out 1 µA.
and IoutThis voltage/current
, obtained using the ra
Wiegand sensor with a self-oscillating boost converter. It shows
low-energy IoT devices [17]. Furthermore, it is compatible with the existin the voltage and current
range functions for the load resistance used for practical application as a power source.
vesting IC, such
A stable output of 5 Vas power-storing
is maintained buckupDC–DC
for currents to 1 µA. Thisconverters usedrange
voltage/current for photov
bration
is used inpower
low-energygeneration
IoT deviceselements [18]. Typically,
[17]. Furthermore, a DC–DC
it is compatible with theconverter
existing is u
energy-harvesting IC, such as power-storing buck DC–DC converters
nation with storage batteries to ensure high efficiency and a maximized cur used for photovoltaic
and vibration power generation elements [18]. Typically, a DC–DC converter is used in
the order of
combination 1 mA
with [19].
storage Therefore,
batteries to ensurethe developed
high efficiency and circuit systemcurrent
a maximized with the W
can beinused
supply with
the order of 1amA
storage battery;the
[19]. Therefore, it developed
allows for a higher
circuit capability
system with of current
the Wiegand
sensor can be used with a storage battery;
and can be used as a power supply for IoT devices. it allows for a higher capability of current
consumption and can be used as a power supply for IoT devices.
Voltage:Vout

5 V ± 10%

4.5 V
4.63 μW ～ 2.45 V

Unstable
DC voltage

1 μA 30 μA Current：Iout
Figure 19. Mapping of Vout –Iout for practical applications of the Wiegand sensor with a self-oscillating
Figure 19. Mapping of Vout–Iout for practical applications of the Wiegand sensor wit
boost converter.
ing boost converter.
5. Conclusions
We designed a self-oscillating boost converter circuit connected to the Wiegand sensor.
5. Conclusions
The Wiegand sensor consists of an FeCoV magnetic wire with a diameter of 0.25 mm, length
We and
of 11 mm, designed a self-oscillating
pickup coil with 3000 turns woundboostaround
converter circuit
the wire. connected
This magnetic wire, to the
i.e., the Wiegand wire, generates a peak pulse voltage of 4.62 V and
sor. The Wiegand sensor consists of an FeCoV magnetic wire with a diamet 20 µs width during
the magnetization reversal of its outer layer under a lower coercive field. An alternating
length of 11 mm, and pickup coil with 3000 turns wound around the wire.
magnetic field of 3.2 kA/m at 1 kHz was applied to the Wiegand sensor and alternating
wire,
positivei.e.,
and the Wiegand
negative wire, were
pulse voltages generates
inducedainpeak pulse
the pickup voltage
coil. of 4.62
A DC voltage of V and
2.77 V was
during theobtained by a bridgereversal
magnetization rectifier and a smoothing
of its outer layercapacitor
under connected
a lowerto coercive
the f
Wiegand sensor. This DC voltage could be intensified to approximately 5 V through a
nating magnetic field of 3.2 kA/m at 1 kHz was applied to the Wiegan
self-oscillating boost converter circuit. The experimental results of the voltage/current and
ripple characteristics agreed with the simulation results. This study represents a significant
development pertaining to the use of the Wiegand sensor as a power source for battery-less
devices and modules.

Author Contributions: Conceptualization, Y.T.; Methodology, Y.T. and S.S.; Investigation, X.S. and
H.I.; Writing—Original Draft Preparation, X.S.; Writing—Review and Editing, Y.T. All authors have
read and agreed to the published version of the manuscript.
Funding: This research was partially funded by the JSPS KAKENHI, grant number 19K21965.
Conflicts of Interest: The authors declare no conflict of interest.
Energies 2021, 14, 5373 12 of 12

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