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This paper describes an integrated power management IC with bi-directional current capability, aimed at compensating differences in output current between series-connected cells in Concentrating Photovoltaic (CPV) systems. The integrated 3.6 MHz power stage allows building a small-form-factor converter per cell. A Hysteretic Current-Mode Controller (HCMC) regulates the bi-directional converter's current to equalize neighbouring cell voltages. A Phase-Locked Loop (PLL) controls the inductor current ripple around the average value to stabilize the switching frequency. The use of Hysteretic Current-Mode Control with a novel bi-directional senseFET scheme provides inherent current protection and high reliability. The converter can operate from an input voltage as low as 1.8 V and with an inductor current up to ±1.5 A, while achieving a system efficiency above 90% for current mismatches between cells up to 60%. Measurement results show that the converter maximizes the output power of series-connected CPV cells with mismatched output currents. Index Termsdc-dc power conversion, photovoltaic power systems, integrated circuit design, analog integrated circuits, power converter, power electronics, current control, energy harvesting.

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