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With the trends towards system integration and miniaturisation, there is a need to carefully consider the means by which such systems can be efficiency powered. Examples of such systems include wireless sensor nodes, where extension of lifetime and efficiency use of energy is critical, and portable electronic products where miniaturisation and improved efficiency are also important considerations. The research activity of the micropower is concerned with the provision of power to Microsystems. This encompasses
- Power conversion for Microsystems: In portable electronics systems where multiple dc-dc converters are required for optimum system power performance, miniaturisation of the power converter is critical. Miniaturisation and integration of the magnetic components remains on of the major challenges for achieving small integrated dc-dc converters. One of the main focuses of this research is the miniaturisation and integration of the magnetic components.
- Micro Power Sources: The coming decade will see the rapid emergence of low cost, intelligent, wireless sensors and their widespread deployment throughout our environment. A key issue for these wireless node designs is that they achieve high degrees of power-efficiency for autonomous, maintenance-free operation, where it is likely that nodes will require deployment for periods of years since the cost of battery replacement will be prohibitive and impractical. This can effectively be described as a “deploy and forget” scenario. In such a scenario, the ability to scavenge energy from the environment to power the system is highly desirable.
- Nanostructured magnetic materials: Much of the research is underpinned by the development of magnetic materials which facilitate miniaturisation and performance improvement. This includes advanced soft magnetic materials for high frequency power conversion applications and hard materials for use in miniaturised generators.
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