Terminator REBOOTING: Smart microchip can self-start and operate even when the battery runs out

( Natural News ) Singaporean scientists have unveiled a smart microchip that will keep running long after its battery runs empty. The new BATLESS has an integrated solar cell that can get power from dim lighting, and its power management features let it start and run itself, an article in Science Daily states . The new chip will be installed on Internet of Things (IoT) sensor nodes. Because it needs far less power, it can run on much smaller batteries. Smart devices that will use the chip can be made many times cheaper and smaller. BATLESS is the brainchild of an engineering team from the National University of Singapore (NUS). Their leader, Massimo Alioto, said that the power-efficient microchip is a significant step towards battery-indifferent IoT sensor nodes. IoT devices need to run for long periods of time on limited power. They therefore need to be very efficient. The battery in a typical smart device are much bigger than the lone microchip they power. A battery can also cost thrice as much as the chip. The size of the battery depends on the operational life of the sensor node. The node’s lifespan also determines how often the battery needs to be replaced. Most IoT devices constantly use battery power. Smaller batteries are replaced more often, while bigger batteries cost more and take up more space. (Related: SCARY: Computer experts show how easy it is to hack off-the-shelf smart devices like baby monitors and home security cameras .) New smart microchip can switch between power modes to keep running The BATLESS microchip takes a big step towards battery indifference , the ability to operate despite the lack of battery power. The chip has two modes of operation depending on the availability of power. Get more news like this without being […]

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