Energy harvesting engine now paired with Bluetooth low energy

The SIP product features such ultra-low-power characteristics that a low loss Schottky Diode bridge rectifier and electrolytic capacitor is enough to provide power from the switch to the Bluetooth 5 device.

The ZF Energy Harvesting Generator incorporated with the RSL10 SIP will allow designers to develop bespoke wireless control systems for a wide range of low-cost, low-energy applications, including control systems in buildings, home systems automation, lighting, shutter control, healthcare, alarm systems, fall detection, vehicle counting and many more.

Demonstrations will be available at the ZF and ON Semiconductor booths (Hall B3, Booth 530 and Hall C4, Booth 101 respectively) at the Electronica 2018 trade fair, illustrating the versatility of the module.

With no battery required, the ZF energy harvesting switch offers users an almost infinite product lifetime, no pollution, no recycling, no maintenance costs and a great deal of flexibility with locating the device. The Bluetooth 5 module offers ultra-low power consumption, high data throughput, long range and improved coexistence with other transmissions systems.

The core element of the ZF Energy Harvesting technology, the generator, is available in mono-stable (momentary) or bi-stable (latching) forms. Based on the inductive principle, the power required to send a wireless signal is generated by the actuation of the patented mechanism, which converts the mechanical energy into electrical energy to power the on-board transmitter.

ZF's range of energy harvesting products include just the raw generator for OEM designs, a rocker switch, snap switch, one or two way pushbuttons all complete with RF transmitter, packaged and PCB mounted "stamp" receivers and KNX versions for industrial systems integration. Evaluation kits are available for system developers.

For more information on switches and sensors from ZF Switches & Sensors visit switches-sensors.zf.com.