Laird Technologies will demonstrate a Bluetooth Smart application powered by thermal energy at Sensors Expo 2013. The application uses a Thermobility Wireless Power Generator to provide power for Laird’s BL600 Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) module. The solution offers design engineers the ability to integrate renewable energy sources into their BLE-based remote sensor applications. Sensors Expo will be held June 4-6 at the Donald E. Stephens Convention Center in Rosemont, Illinois.
Thermobility Wireless Power Generators are self-contained systems that convert heat into DC power using Laird’s eTEG embedded thin-film thermoelectric modules. Thermobility generators use differences in temperature to enable power anywhere there is an adequate heat source and eliminate the need to use traditional wired power sources or replaceable batteries. The solution can provide years of maintenance-free operation, thus expanding the possibilities for new wireless BLE-based sensor and security applications in industrial control, transportation, automotive and building management.
BL600 modules provide exceptionally low power consumption with outstanding wireless range. The modules support a variety of ultra-low power saving modes and have a compact footprint, making them suitable for even the smallest portable devices. According to industry analyst IMS Research, sales of Bluetooth Smart devices should grow from 5.4 million devices in 2012 to nearly 160 million units in 2016.
“The world market for Bluetooth® Low Energy (BLE) technology, is poised for explosive growth,” said Jonathan Kaye, Laird Product Manager. “Laird’s innovative smartBASIC programming language, onboard every BL600 module, makes it simple and easy to embed BLE technology and Thermobility Wireless Power Generators provide an innovative power source for those modules. By storing energy and providing on-demand power for years, the use of energy harvesting can reduce the total cost of ownership by eliminating the prohibitive cost of battery replacement in remote sensor applications,” said Bob Collins, VP of business development at Laird.”