Netherlands-based research lab IMEC-NL has demonstrated a two-channel wireless brain monitor powered by ambient energy.
“It shows you can do some real measurements with a scavenging set-up,” said project head Bert Gyselinckx. “It is producing about 2mW and we are using 800µW.”
Commercial alternatives require wired links. Potential applications include sleep apnea and narcolepsy where screening could be moved from hospital to home.
Having
proved the concept and miniaturised the electronics (on the rear of the headband) Gyselinckx’ next target is the bulky 30µW/cm sq. bismuth telluride thermoelectric power source.
“We are looking at micromachining the generator,” said Gyselinckx.