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First 45nm embedded flash logic test chips sample
Wolfson to move integrated MEMS microphones to 8in wafers
Exploiting depth sensing for 3D interfaces and complex image analysis 
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Altera to integrate Enpirion power interfaces into its FPGAs
Automation CAN group plans permanent interoperability test capability
Opening up new user-interaction scenarios with Time-of-Flight measurements 
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Piezoelectric MEMS boosts vibration harvester
April 28, 2011 // R. Colin Johnson
Electrical engineers from the University of Michigan claim to have invented a technique for micro-machining piezoelectric MEMS that generate 10-times more energy than conventional energy harvesters. The research team said a penny-sized piezoelectric MEMS could generate enough electricity to power medical implants in the body and wireless sensors on motor vehicles.
The energy harvester market for wireless sensor networks is expected to $450 million by 2015, according to Erkan Aktakka, one of the system's developers, working in the lab of professor Erkan Aktakka, principle scientist on the project.
The team packaged its bulk micro-machined MEMS together with tiny circuit elements that form a complete vibration energy harvester in just 27 cubic millimeters. The tiny unit can harvest vibrational energy between 14-and-155 cycles-per-second (Hz) to produce about 200 microWatts from 1.5g vibrations. The energy harvester charges a supercapacitor to 1.85 volts, whereupon it powers-up the wireless sensor whose battery is it replacing. The researchers estimate the energy harvester could repeat this cycle for 10-to-20 years without degradation.
Details of the design will be revealed by the researchers in a presentation at Transducers 2011 (June 5-9, Beijing).
Funding was provided by the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency and National Nanotechnology Infrastructure Network.
Self-contained energy harvester converts vibrations into electricity using bulk micromachined piezoelectrics.
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Business News
Obsolescence groups tackles long term supply and conflict minerals challenges
May 20, 2013
The increasing use of off the shelf commercial equipment and conflict minerals are two key risks facing designers of long ...
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Technology News
First 45nm embedded flash logic test chips sample
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Technology News
Wolfson to move integrated MEMS microphones to 8in wafers
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Feature Articles
Exploiting depth sensing for 3D interfaces and complex image analysis
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Technology News
Floating surge stopper provides unlimited overvoltage protection
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Technology News
Altera to integrate Enpirion power interfaces into its FPGAs
May 17, 2013
Altera is planning to develop IP blocks for its FPGAs optimized for the Enpirion power management devices following the $141m ...
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Technology News
Automation CAN group plans permanent interoperability test capability
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Feature Articles
Opening up new user-interaction scenarios with Time-of-Flight measurements
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Technology News
Goepel electronic initiates Cooperation Network with EMS companies
Technical papers
Filter Wizard
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December 15, 2011 | Texas instruments | 222901974
Unique Ser/Des technology supports encrypted video and audio content with full duplex bi-directional control channel over a single wire interface.
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