Session: MNS-04-01: Micro/Nano IoT, Sensors, Digital Computing and Power

Paper Number: 89291

89291 - Nuclear Batteries Enable Decades of Uninterrupted Life for Microelectronic Systems 

Nuclear batteries are a class of high-energy dense power sources that convert radioactive decay energy into electricity for powering sensors, electronics, and medical implants in applications where battery replacement is difficult or impossible.  In order to show the potential benefits of integrating these types of power sources into microelectronic sensor systems, three examples are considered: a gas sensor; radio frequency front-end; and photoplethysmographic sensor.  In each case, system operational lifetime is computed when powered with a commercial Li-ion coin cell battery, followed by a comparison with three nuclear battery prototypes from the literature.  In each case, the nuclear power sources allow potential continuous, unattended operational life to be extended by an order of magnitude or more, typically from less than one year to decades of continuous use.  Advantages and disadvantages of nuclear batteries in general are also addressed.

 

Nuclear batteries are a class of high-energy dense power sources that convert radioactive decay energy into electricity for powering sensors, electronics, and medical implants in applications where battery replacement is difficult or impossible.  In order to show the potential benefits of integrating these types of power sources into microelectronic sensor systems, three examples are considered: a gas sensor; radio frequency front-end; and photoplethysmographic sensor.  In each case, system operational lifetime is computed when powered with a commercial Li-ion coin cell battery, followed by a comparison with three nuclear battery prototypes from the literature.  In each case, the nuclear power sources allow potential continuous, unattended operational life to be extended by an order of magnitude or more, typically from less than one year to decades of continuous use.  Advantages and disadvantages of nuclear batteries in general are also addressed.

Presenting Author: Oliver Barham Engineer

Presenting Author Biography: Mechanical engineer and project manager.

Authors:

Oliver Barham Engineer