Autonomous NB-IoT platform harvests its own energy
HiSilicon, a chip manufacturer owned by Chinese vendor Huawei, and Dutch firm Nowi Energy showcased the second generation of their energy autonomous NB-IoT platform.
The companies explained that the device acts as a sensor hub which can transmit via NB-IoT while operating indefinitely through its energy harvesting capabilities. It is based on HiSilicon’s Hi2115 NB-IoT solution and Nowi’s NH2 energy harvesting power management IC. The solution removes the need for manual intervention or cabling to supply power in applications.
The partners noted that the platform combines connectivity and energy harvesting in the smallest size possible and offers an open slot on which various sensors can be placed depending on the application need.
Charles Sturman, Senior Director Product Marketing at HiSilicon said “Many IoT applications require super long deployment lifecycles and direct power connectivity is often not possible. As such, energy autonomy is becoming an important factor. Our collaboration with Nowi addresses these demands as their next generation NH2 device reaches efficiency and size targets which are changing the rule-book on Energy Harvesting. At HiSilicon, we aim towards a fully connected, intelligent world and such partnerships are crucial to achieve this vision. “
The Energy Autonomous NB-IoT V2 Platform provides can be tailored to fit many sensor applications with minimal and enables applications that were previously unable to use NB-IoT with energy harvesting due to size constraints.
The new platform also nables both indoor and outdoor applications, the companies said.
Simon van der Jagt, CEO Nowi said “From industrial IoT to Smart Home applications we see a strong need for ease-of-use, reduction in device maintenance and small form factor solutions. As such, integrated energy harvesting solutions are playing a key role in the future of connectivity. Nowi’s energy harvesting power management technology uniquely offers these advantages owing to its extremely small PCB assembly footprint, top energy harvesting performance and ease of implementation. We are excited to team up with HiSilicon and help customers on their way by offering the schematics of this new reference design platform. Nowi’s NH2 PMIC is becoming available in Q4 of 2020 for high volume customers.”
HiSilicon Technologies is a global fabless semiconductor and IC design company. Ranging from high-speed communications, smart devices, audio/video, IoT, to intelligent transportation, HiSilicon chipsets and solutions have all been certified in more than 100 countries and regions around the world. With hedquarters in Shenzhen, China, HiSilicon has over 7,000 employees in offices and research centers in Beijing, Shanghai, Chengdu, Wuhan, Singapore, South Korea, Japan, Europe and other regions across the world.
Headquartered in Delft, The Netherlands, Nowi B.V.focuses on energy harvesting power management IC and IP design.
