Launch of a Highly-Integrated Energy-Harvesting Module by Telink and Nowi for Smart, Sustainable Devices

An energy-harvesting microcontroller module includes a reference design for a TV remote that runs solely on the light.

An Energy Autonomous Wireless Connectivity Module, a device that combines the multi-protocol communications system-on-chip (SoC) from Telink and Nowi with the latter's harvesting-focused power management integrated circuit, has been announced as a joint product launch (PMIC).

The Telink TLSR8273-M-EH is a multi-protocol wireless communication module with energy harvesting capabilities constructed using Nowi's PMIC. It is intended for batteryless or "forever battery" products including wearable electronics and electronic shelf labels in addition to the TV remote controls.

The system is built on a 48MHz RISC microprocessor that supports 2.4GHz proprietary protocols, Bluetooth 5.1 LE, and 802.15.4 (Zigbee/RF4CE/6LoWPAN). Telink claims that their solutions minimize BOM and size as well as supply chain complexity and increase user-friendliness by eliminating the need for battery swaps thanks to a single module that incorporates all essential components for batteryless operation.

"The businesses tout the launch as having a "much lower bill of material" due to the Nowi chipsets' small size and distinctive design. Energy harvesting and power control functions are integrated, reducing the assembly size and requiring fewer external components (no inductors are needed). This results in a more compact and cost-effective module."

The availability of the TLSR8273-M-EH has been verified by Telink, but no pricing information has been provided. Customers may also request access to a reference design for a battery-free TV remote that uses energy from indoor illumination.

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