Printed E-Label Harvests Energy from Smartphones

Jul-13-14 The development of the first printed e-label able to harvest its power from a smartphone could allow even more objects, such as clothing or fruit, to be incorporated into the "Internet of Things."

While electronic devices like appliances are able to draw power from outlets to enable their connectivity, objects not typically plugged in need another power option. Stepping up to the challenge, a research team has developed a proof-of-concept, printed e-label that can draw energy from a smartphone's signal to illuminate a small display. The team used a Schottky diode to create the label, which they designed to pick up the higher frequencies transmitted by smartphones and transform them into a direct current to power the label.

The team's next step is to reduce the cost of the diode while also boosting the operating frequency to the WiFi router and Bluetooth standard.

More Info about this Invention:

[POPSCI.COM]
[SPECTRUM.IEEE.ORG]

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