07 November 2011
Battery free system design a reality?
STMicroelectronics has announced a 16Kbit device that can harvest enough energy to enable small electronic items using it to become completely battery free electronic applications.
The device features a low power I2C interface, as well as a 13.56MHzISO15693 contactless rf interface. According to ST, it can harvest ambient radio waves emitted by rfid reader writers and convert those waves into a voltage output that may be used to power other electronic components.
The energy harvesting capability of the EEPROM is designed to enable new types of miniaturised electronics. ST says it has demonstrated the M24LR16E energy harvesting wireless memory by illuminating indicator leds as well as by powering its batteryless STM8L based Discovery Kit. Other potential applications include e-paper devices such as electronic shelf labels, as well as industrial automation, sensing and monitoring systems and personal healthcare products.
Benoit Rodrigues, general manager of ST's Memories Division, said: "The pioneering M24LR16E strengthens our Dual Interface EEPROM portfolio by providing additional memory density options and, by offering a means to harvest energy from its environment, to enable innovative applications for smart electronics. This new device also strengthens ST's portfolio of green energy solutions for innovative high tech products, helping to improve sustainability and quality of life."
The M24LR16E features 16Kbits of non volatile EEPROM storage, introducing a new lower density option alongside ST's 64Kbit dual interface wireless memory, the M24LR64.
ST says it anticipates a broad user base for the rfid/nfc devices as rfid is widely used in supply chain and retail businesses, while nfc technology will be included in more than 500million mobile phones sold annually by 2015, according to figures from ABI Research.
Author
Chris Shaw
Supporting Information
Websites
http://www.st.com
Companies
STMicroelectronics NV
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