For many years, scientists have been trying to find new ways to efficiently collect radio waves in the environment in order to power small devices. However, so far, the sources of these signals have not been as popular as wireless networks (Wi-Fi). Recently, a research team from the National University of Singapore (NUS) introduced their newly developed new chip that can power LEDs and other small electronic devices/sensors.
For many years, it has been a daunting challenge to collect radio energy in the environment and then convert it to output meaningful power.
The good news is that scientists from the National University of Singapore and Tohoku University in Japan have developed the so-called "self-torque oscillator" (STO).
As a relatively new type of micro-device, it has the ability to generate microwaves, but its output power has been quite low before. Based on this, the research team came up with a new solution that integrates multiple STOs on one chip to increase output power.
However, in order to achieve this goal, the research team has been working hard to design and test the best layout to solve issues such as spacing and low-frequency response. The final delivery demonstration plan contains eight STOs connected in series
The array can absorb 2.4GHz radio waves generated by Wi-Fi signals and convert them into DC voltage signals. After being transferred to the capacitor, it can be used for an LED with a power of 1.6V.
After charging the capacitor for 5 seconds, the LED can remain lit for one minute even if the external power supply is cut off.
Research author Professor Yang Hyunsoo said: "We live in a world surrounded by Wi-Fi signals, but when we don't use them to access the Internet, they are in an inactive state of wasting energy."
The new research results are the first step to adapt to the change, when the readily available 2.4GHz radio waves will become a source of green energy to reduce the battery requirements of the electronic devices we often use.
In this way, some IoT devices can use radio signals to provide power. With the popularization of smart home and smart city applications, this research work may be efficiently applied in communication, computing and neuromorphic systems.
At present, the research team is working hard to increase the number of STOs in the array to improve the energy harvesting ability, and discuss how to use it to power other electronic devices and sensors.
Details of this research have been published in the journal Nature Communications.