One ongoing problem in all markets that deal with technology is power.  Providing it, sustaining it, and replacing it.  Many applications that have users on the go will use power endlessly.   While batteries have become a more sufficient with energy and even reduced in size, the kryptonite of the battery is limited power.  So what is the answer?  Do we plug our many battery operated items into the wall?  Charge ourselves daily?  Thomas Kail of ams AG speculates that harvesting energy should be the way to go for the future.

   Obtaining power from the natural resources around us sounds complicated, but Kail states that there are three major requirements for harvesting energy for wearable applications.  To start the application must be highly efficient, and must be used with low-input voltage ranges.  Last is “maximum power point tracking”  Optimizing the lay out of power consumption from the source to the operating point is crucial in using power effectively.  Using these three ideas applications can boost efficiency and produce longer battery life.  Wearable applications are becoming more important in the technology market.  Thomas Kail explains here, “The wearable’s market and its growth will be exciting to watch. Manufacturers gearing up for a place at the table should be looking at the possibilities of energy harvesting.”

   Our research and development team has been exploring alternative energy options in our projects, and in addition to our current products, we hope to create more solutions combating the challenges of limited power over time.  For the entire article from Thomas Kail, see the link at EE Times.

Thomas Kail is a Product Manager for ams AG located in Austria.  ams AG develops and manufactures many lower power sensor solutions. Headquartered in Austria, ams AG holds facilities worldwide.  For more information about Mr. Kail and ams AG, please visit their website.