Ultrathin Printed Batteries for IoT Sensors and Devices
Semtech and Imprint Energy announced a collaboration to accelerate the widespread deployment of Internet of Things (IoT) devices. Imprint Energy will design and produce ultrathin, flexible printed batteries that are especially designed to power IoT devices integrated with Semtech’s LoRa® devices and wireless RF technology (LoRa Technology).
LoRa Technology, with its long-range, low-power capabilities, is regarded by many as the defacto platform for building low-power wide area networks (LPWAN).
To help accelerate a next generation of battery technology, Semtech has invested in Imprint Energy. The companies are working closely to target applications that have the potential to create entirely new markets.
The Imprint Energy battery enables new applications which have a thin and small form factor and due to the integrated manufacturing process, the batteries are low cost to produce, making high volume deployments feasible.
Additionally, a key benefit of the Imprint Energy battery technology is the ability to be printed using multiple types of conventional high-volume printing equipment; this allows quick integration by traditional electronic manufacturers in their existing production lines.
Test production runs are currently being processed and the resulting batteries are being used in applications prototypes to validate assumptions and engage early adopters.
“Collaborating with Semtech introduces Imprint’s batteries to a fast-growing IoT ecosystem,” said Christine Ho, Imprint Energy’s CEO. “We’re moving forward with LoRa-based market pilots now and looking forward to widespread adoption.”
“Thousands of companies already use Semtech’s LoRa Technology to deploy IoT devices and sensors for smart cities, smart buildings, smart agriculture, and smart supply chain applications,” said Marc Pegulu, Vice President and General Manager, Semtech’s Wireless and Sensing Products Group.
“With the batteries’ key capabilities – ultrathin and made with non-hazardous material – the LoRaWAN ecosystem and partners can leverage the batteries for new, untapped use case applications to drive mass adoption in the IoT industry,” concluded Pegulu.
