Powering Autonomous Sensors

Abstract

The new book Powering Autonomous Sensors: An Integral Approach with Focus on Solar and RF Energy Harvesting provides an engaging look into the world of the Smart Powering of Wireless Systems. The book covers the full chain of energy-processing steps for wireless autonomous sensors, i.e. sensors that are able to operate reliably with a minimum amount of power harvested from the environment. The use of various ambient energy sources available is analyzed. Methods and circuits for the efficient storage of harvested energy in batteries and capacitors are analyzed and evaluated, with detail provided for optical and RF harvesters. Circuits and systems are proposed, evaluated and tested with simulations and/or experiments performed by the authors. The main focus is the optimization of favorable circuits for low-power applications. This work is an excellent introduction for anyone starting to work in this relatively new field of research. It is unique in its clear and consistent approach to evaluating the opportunities for and problems with energy management for low-power sensors. The many tables with features and typical component values provided by the suppliers and completed with experiment results, make it easy for readers to make a quantitative analysis by themselves. This work is very suitable not only as an introduction for researchers, but also as study guide for graduate and post-graduate students, and postdocs. Prof. Dr. Ir. Gerard C.M. Meijer, Delft University of Technology, The Netherlands