Exeger and EM Microelectronic are working together to offer optimized energy harvesting boost converter solutions for Powerfoyle-powered products. This includes solutions for medium power hybrid applications, such as the Urbanista Los Angeles, the world’s first self-powered headphones launched in 2021 that uses an EM Microelectronic custom-made boost converter, as well as solutions for upcoming ultra-low power indoor applications. The soon-to-be-released Exeger development kits will feature different EM Microelectronic boost converter solutions to showcase optimized system performance.
Following Exeger’s announcement of the Powerfoyle Indoor platform in 2021, which has been optimized for low light levels, the EM Microelectronic and Exeger collaboration now allows more manufacturers to develop devices with significantly extended or even endless battery life when utilizing Powerfoyle.
A company of the Swatch Group, EM Microelectronic has been in the market since 1975. Working within diverse industry segments such as consumer electronics and connected devices, EM Microelectronic specializes in the design and production of ultra-low power, low voltage integrated circuits. This collaboration marks Exeger and EM Microelectronic’s formal partnership, following the two companies’ previous collaborations spanning several years.
"The consumer electronics market is growing and with that growth come new challenges in terms of sustainability, driving systemic change," says Dr. Michel Willemin, CEO of EM Microelectronic. "Our collaboration with Exeger means more consumer products can not only be self-powered but also much less energy-intensive. Ultra-low power is what we do best, and by partnering with Exeger, we hope to make a positive impact on the environment and the world around us."
"We are very excited to be joining forces with EM Microelectronic," says Giovanni Fili, founder and CEO of Exeger. "Through our collaboration, we are developing revolutionary energy harvesting solutions that are specifically optimized for Powerfoyle. Not only will this bring about big change for the IoT sector but it could generate significant efficiency improvements for all future commercial partners."
Exeger's patented solar cell technology converts all forms of light into electrical energy and implemented it into Powerfoyle, the world’s only fully customizable solar cell. With its superior design properties, it can be integrated seamlessly into any electronic device. In December 2021, Exeger acquired key component developer Intivation BV, a boost converter designer specialized in low power applications, to strengthen the ecosystem around Powerfoyle.
Earlier in 2022, Exeger announce a partnership with Japanese ceramic technology company NGK Insulators to expand into new sectors and reach additional markets. Nagoya-headquartered NGK developed semi-solid-state lithium-ion rechargeable EnerCera batteries made of proprietary crystal-oriented ceramic plates impregnated with a small amount of liquid electrolyte, which entered mass production in 2019. EnerCera batteries can withstand more charging cycles than other Lithium-ion batteries, which makes it unique and a good fit with Powerfoyle. The batteries are also so thin that its possible to fit them in headphone headbands and even e-shelf labels.
With features such as low resistance, high capacity, and long life, EnerCera batteries are an ideal energy storage device for connected devices combined with Energy Harvesting, allowing to efficiently charge the small power from indoor light PV cells and store it for long periods of time. The combined technologies provide high enough output to power MCUs and sensors.
Already in the market with the STRAX Urbanista ANC headphones and more recently Phoenix, the first true wireless earbuds to use a charging case with Powerfoyle, Exeger' technology is gaining recognition everyday. It has recently been promoted even more with the launch of the new Adidas Headphones RPT-02 SOL. Built in part from recycled plastics, the Adidas wireless headphones are a product designed by Zound Industries, which licenses the Adidas brand for consumer electronics.
In addition to its Powerfoyle light-harvesting capabilities, the adidas RPT-02 SOL ($229.00 USD) boasts several other notable features, including a light indicator on the headband which helps detect the strongest light source to generate the best charge. The headphones are also IPX4-rated (sweat-proof and splash-proof) and come equipped with a companion app where users can track charging and battery status in real-time.
www.emmicroelectronic.com
www.exeger.com | www.powerfoyle.com
