Japanese analogue semiconductor specialist Ablic has developed battery-less sensors that harness previously untapped environmental energy.

The company’s Clean-Boost technology captures and enhances microwatt-level environmental energy that was once considered too minor to harness. Its energy storage and boosting component is designed for ultra-low power consumption.

With a boost circuit that operates on 0.35V, the technology ensures the optimal use of 1μW level power. Additionally, it incorporates a low-power data transmission method that optimises the timing between power generation and signal transmission, further enhancing its efficiency.

Ablic was originally the semiconductor division of Seiko Instruments, became independent and started its operation as SII Semiconductor in 2016, and then rebranded and began anew as Ablic in 2018. The origins of Clean-Boost technology trace back to the Thermic, a thermoelectric watch released by Seiko in 1998 powered by the temperature differential between the wearer’s body and the surrounding air.

Ablic evolved this concept by developing ICs capable of amplifying minimal electrical output from thermoelectric power. This endeavour eventually led to the creation of energy storage and boosting circuits, developed in collaboration with Ritsumeikan University (en.ritsumei.ac.jp).

A prime example of this technology in the market is a battery-less water leak sensor. This device can detect even the smallest drop of water leakage, which helps reduce damage through early detection. Additionally, the device can be powered and transmit warnings wirelessly using low energy, eliminating the need for an external power sources or complex wiring. This makes it suitable for retrofitting existing structures without the inconvenience of extensive installation and maintenance.

One use case involves the Japanese telecommunications carrier NTT East, which adopted battery-less water leak sensors to monitor natural disasters at unmanned communication facilities. By installing the sensor for remote site monitoring, maintenance workers no longer need to conduct patrols in bad weather, thereby increasing the safety and efficiency of their monitoring operations.

Demonstrating its versatility across different environments, Clean-Boost powers other applications beyond leak detection, including moisture-powered sensors and bioelectric soil sensors. Research regarding microbial electricity generation, enzyme-based power generation and bio electrochemical reactions continues to underscore the wide applicability of this technology. By converting biological processes into electrical energy, Clean-Boost is pursuing possibilities in sustainable power generation, including the use of substances such as lactate, fructose and alcohol.

Currently, the products are exclusive to the Japanese market. However, Ablic wants to expand the reach of Clean-Boost technology (www.ablic.com/en/semicon/clean-boost-technology) globally in the near future. The company is seeking international partnerships to explore applications and markets.