Hardware Podcasts

29: Ducking the Quadcopter

Embedded.fm · 4 Dec 2013 · 45m

What this episode covers

Dr. Kathleen Vaeth, Vice President of Engineering at MicroGen Systems, explains how their MEMS-based vibrational energy harvesters convert ambient vibration into power using aluminum nitride piezoelectric materials. She details the device's operation as a tuned cantilever that generates 50-200 microwatts, enabling wireless sensors for industrial monitoring and building management without battery maintenance. The discussion covers specific applications like powering TI eZ430 transmitters and Linear Technology sensors, as well as future roadmap items including impulse-mode harvesting for wearables and tire pressure monitoring systems.

Most relevant to

early-stage companies

Topics

Mentioned

Companies
MicroGen Systems, Linear Technology, X-FAB, Kodak
Products
TI eZ430
Also
Cornell, Rochester Institute of Technology

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