Expect More Energy Harvesting To Power Wireless Sensors In 2013

Author: Bob Zollo Wireless sensors are becoming more common and will continue to be developed and deployed in the near term. The technological challenges of wireless communications are steadily being overcome, permitting sensors to be interconnected into intelligent networks. The increased density of systems-on-a-chip (SoCs) is leading to increased functionality and smaller sizes for wireless sensors. But one key challenge still remains: power. Batteries have been an enabling technology for wireless sensors. But for some wireless sensors, battery replacement isn’t practical. The sensors could be in remote locations where access isn’t easy. Or, the sensors could be so small and in such large numbers that a technician just can’t cost-effectively get to all of them to replace their batteries. For these applications, some form of energy harvesting would be ideal. Read more here: http://electronicdesign.com/article/power/expect-energy-harvesting-power-wireless-sensors-2013-74782