RFRF Energy Harvesting IC Manufacturers and Vendors
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RF energy harvesting has emerged as a revolutionary technology, enabling the capture of ambient radio frequency (RF) waves to power low-energy devices. With the growing demand for sustainable and wireless energy solutions, RF energy harvesting integrated circuits (ICs) are gaining widespread adoption across various industries, including IoT, medical devices, and wearables.
In this page, we will explore the leading manufacturers of RF energy harvesting ICs, their innovative technologies, and how they are driving advancements in the field of wireless power. The popular companies with their parts include E-Peas (AEM40940), Powercast (PCC114), RF DIAGNOSICS (RFD102A) etc.
What is an RF Energy Harvesting IC?
This Integrated Circuit refers to a specialized chip designed to capture and convert ambient radio frequency (RF) signals into usable electrical energy. This technology harnesses electromagnetic waves from sources such as Wi-Fi routers, cell towers, TV transmitters, and other wireless communication systems. The harvested energy can power low-energy devices, eliminating or reducing the need for traditional battery sources.
Key Components
The components of RF energy harvesting IC are as follows:
- Antenna: Captures RF signals from the surrounding environment.
- Matching Network: Optimizes the transfer of RF energy from the antenna to the harvesting circuit.
- Rectifier Circuit: Converts the captured AC (alternating current) RF signal into DC (direct current) voltage.
- Energy Storage: Stores the converted energy in capacitors or small batteries for future use.
- Power Management: Regulates the output voltage to power various low-energy devices effectively.
Applications
- IoT Devices: Powers sensors, trackers, and wearables in smart homes and cities.
- Medical Devices: Fuels implantable or wearable medical sensors without frequent battery replacements.
- Remote Sensors: Supplies energy to environmental sensors in locations where battery replacement is impractical.
- Consumer Electronics: Enhances the functionality of wireless gadgets, reducing the need for constant recharging.
Benefits of RF Energy Harvesting ICs
- Sustainability: Reduces dependency on batteries, lowering environmental impact.
- Cost-Efficiency: Minimizes maintenance costs associated with battery replacement in hard-to-reach areas.
- Compact Design: Allows integration into small, portable, and low-energy devices.
RF energy harvesting ICs enable the creation of self-sustaining devices, offering great potential for the Internet of Things (IoT) and wireless sensor networks, contributing to the future of smart, energy-efficient ecosystems.
RF Energy Harvesting IC Manufacturers and Vendors
The following table lists vendors and manufacturers of RF energy harvesting ICs.
| Manufacturers | Part number with features |
|---|---|
| E-Peas semiconductor | Overview: E-Peas focuses on creating ultra-low-power energy management ICs that maximize power extraction from ambient sources like RF signals, light, and vibration. Notable Products: - AEM30940: Energy harvesting PMIC for RF-to-DC conversion, designed for devices powered by low-intensity RF energy. - AEM10941: Ultra-low-power management IC for RF harvesting, light, and thermal energy conversion. - AEM40940: RF Input power : -18.5 dBm to 10 dBm, Support for MPPT, Upto 20-80 mA load current, Input voltage range : 50 mV to 2.5 V etc. |
| Powercast Corporation | Overview: Powercast is a leader in RF energy harvesting, offering a range of products that enable wireless power transfer over a distance. Their solutions are ideal for consumer electronics, industrial automation, and wireless sensors. Notable Products: - P2110B: RF-to-DC converter with a high-efficiency rectifier and power management circuit. Works with multiple frequencies such as 915 MHz and 2.4 GHz. - P1110B: Energy harvesting IC optimized for low-power wireless sensors, with robust RF-to-DC conversion. - P2210B: Designed for remote power applications and can harvest RF energy from a distance of up to 80 feet. - PCC114: Input frequency : 10 MHz to 6 GHz, Input power : -17 dBm to +20 dBm, Output voltage : 4.2 V (Max.), Output current : 50 mA |
| RF DIAGNOSICS | Overview: Specializes in the development of RF energy harvesting circuits optimized for challenging environments. Their solutions are known for high sensitivity and efficient energy conversion. Notable Products: - RFD1025: RF harvesting IC designed for ultra-low-power devices. - RFD3081: A highly efficient energy harvesting chip tailored for use in sensor networks. - Part number : RFD102A , Features : 60 Hz to 6 GHz, Input power : -14 dBm to +25 dBm, Output current : 18 mA (max.) at higher input power |
| Texas Instruments | Overview: Texas Instruments provides a wide range of power management ICs, including RF energy harvesting solutions, optimized for efficient power conversion in small and wearable devices. Notable Products: - BQ25570: Highly efficient PMIC designed to harvest energy from RF, solar, or thermoelectric sources. - BQ25504: Boost converter for RF energy harvesting with MPPT (Maximum Power Point Tracking) to optimize energy transfer. |
| Analog Devices | Overview: Analog Devices develops versatile energy harvesting ICs that integrate RF-to-DC converters for wireless sensors and low-power devices. Notable Products: - ADP5091: RF energy harvesting power management IC with ultra-low-power startup for IoT and low-energy applications. - ADP5090: Designed for low-power, long-life applications, harvesting RF and other ambient energy sources. |
| Maxim Integrated (Now part of Analog Devices) | Overview: Maxim Integrated offers power management ICs optimized for RF energy harvesting applications, focused on energy conversion and efficient power management. Notable Products: - MAX17710: Low-energy harvester and PMIC with integrated boost converter and energy storage management. - MAX20361: Ultra-low-power management IC for energy harvesting applications, ideal for wearables. |
| Cypress Semiconductor (now part of Infineon Technologies) | Overview: Cypress Semiconductor provides energy harvesting solutions for various ambient energy sources, including RF energy. Notable Products: - S6AE101A: Energy harvesting PMIC designed for RF and solar applications. - S6AE102A: Power management IC for RF energy harvesting, optimized for ultra-low power consumption. |
| Fujitsu | Overview: Fujitsu provides energy harvesting ICs tailored for RF harvesting and other low-energy applications, especially for remote and hard-to-reach devices. Notable Products: - MB39C811: Power management IC with energy harvesting capabilities from RF, solar, or vibration sources. - MB39C831: Designed for IoT devices with ultra-low-power energy harvesting and storage features. |
| Murata | Overview: Murata provides small form-factor energy harvesting solutions that can capture ambient RF signals for low-power devices. Notable Products: - LXES15AAA1-100: RF energy harvesting IC designed for ultra-low-power applications, including wireless sensors and remote monitoring. |
| EnOcean | Overview: EnOcean focuses on self-powered wireless sensor solutions, leveraging RF energy harvesting to eliminate the need for batteries in IoT and building automation. Notable Products: - ECO 200: RF energy harvesting module for industrial and building automation sensors. |
Conclusion
As the need for sustainable energy solutions continues to rise, RF energy harvesting ICs offer a promising pathway for wireless power. The leading manufacturers in this field are constantly pushing the boundaries of innovation, enabling more efficient, cost-effective, and scalable energy harvesting solutions. By selecting the right RF energy harvesting IC manufacturer, businesses can tap into cutting-edge technology that helps drive growth and sustainability. Whether you’re looking to optimize power for IoT devices or reduce energy dependency in medical applications, these manufacturers offer a range of solutions to meet your needs.
