Feature: Energy harvesting


Figure 1: The microwatt- level energy harnessed by Ablic’s CLEAN-Boost technology


Harnessing microwatt-level energy


for sensing and measurement By Field Applications Engineers, Ablic


M


icrowatt-level environmental energy was once considered too small to harness. However, Japanese


semiconductor company Ablic has developed a technology called CLEAN- Boost that captures and enhances this low-level energy, making a signifi cant leap forward in energy use and sustainability; see Figure 1.


CLEAN-Boost is considered


exceptionally innovative not only because of the low energy levels it captures, but also for its energy storage capability and energy-boosting circuitry that has been designed for ultra-low power consumption. T is boost circuit operates on 0.35V, and the technology ensures the optimal use of 1μW power. Additionally, it uses a sophisticated low-power data transmission method that optimises the timing between power generation and


signal transmission, further enhancing its effi ciency.


CLEAN-Boost operation If the power consumption (Wmmt


below the generated power (Win ) is ), it is still


possible to store trace amounts of extra power over a period of time (Tint


); see Figure 2. ), until


a point where that stored power can be emitted through a radio transmission in a short burst (Tout


T e technology is aimed at battery-


Figure 2: The principle of Ablic’s CLEAN- Boost solution operation


30 April 2024 www.electronicsworld.co.uk


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