EnOcean Intros SMT100 Solar-Powered Sensor Module

EnOcean Inc. (Boston, MA) and EnOcean GmbH (Oberhaching, Germany), a spin-off from Siemens AG (Germany), introduced its new SMT100, a small, solar-powered, wireless sensor module, which overcomes the challenges of power-hungry radios and battery deficiencies such as limited life, maintenance and disposal.

The STM100 offers a custom two-stage solar cell, where one stage provides quick startup energy while the other charges an onboard energy reservoir. Designed to operate indoors, the device requires only 200 lux to generate energy. The unit is comprised of a solar cell energy source, an energy reservoir, analog and digital sensor connections, a microprocessor for sensor control, and a radio transmitter, in a small 0.8 in x 1.6 in x 0.4 in footprint (2 cm x 4 cm x 1 cm), which stores sufficient energy to operate continuously for up to five days in complete darkness.

Each module ensures reliable wireless communication via RF protocols (multiple broadcasts, fast data rate, error detection and unique addressing). By combining solar power and radio frequency, EnOcean has completely eliminated the need for batteries in sensor applications, and done away with regular system maintenance. The STM100 platform supports a wide variety of sensors (temperature, gas, humidity, illumination, location, presence, etc.) to enable mobile, maintenance-free monitoring and control of buildings, factories, logistics and automobiles.

The SMT100, including solar cell, energy reservoir and radio, are available in OEM quantities for less than $25.