New Publication: Ultra-Low Power Wake-Up Timer for Flexible Electronics

A new scientific article titled “An ultra-low power wake-up timer compatible with n-FET based flexible technologies” has been published in npj Flexible Electronics, showcasing a significant advancement in the development of energy-efficient flexible electronics. The work is the result of a fruitful collaboration between the University of Barcelona (UB) and UNINOVA, supported by the FOXES project.

The paper presents a novel timer circuit designed for ultra-low power operation, specifically suited for remote sensors and wearable devices. Operating at an average power consumption of just 26.7 nW, the timer enables external circuits to wake periodically from deep sleep, drastically reducing overall energy usage.

Key features of the work include:

  • A simple circuit topology that uses the leakage current of transistors to generate low-frequency wake-up signals.
  • Full compatibility with n-type only transistor technologies, such as those used in Indium Gallium Zinc Oxide (IGZO)-based FlexICs from PragmatIC.
  • Robust performance across different voltages, temperatures, and light conditions.

This research marks another important step in enabling sustainable, flexible, and low-power electronics, aligning with FOXES’ mission to advance innovative solutions for energy-autonomous systems.

đź”— Read the full article in npj Flexible Electronics: https://doi.org/10.1038/s41528-024-00374-4