University Of Bristol Develops Zero Power Standby Circuit

Researchers have recently developed a low-voltage comparator circuit at the University of Bristol that could not only reduce stand by power, but eliminate it. The new low-threshold voltage analog comparator will only require picowatts to activate the circuitry. One of the lead researchers are the University of Bristol stated the circuit, which is still under patent approval, uses many thresholds and devices and allows high vin maximum of 20V and voltage thresholds for detection down even below 0.5V. They’ve also developed state of the art power saving strategies that will almost eliminate static current through the device. Below 100 picoamps is the off-state leakage.

"The voltage detector chip uses over a thousand times less energy than existing detectors to create a turn-on signal, merely five picojoules of energy and only around half a volt. Many sensors can provide this without requiring a power supply, therefore making listening effectively free," the University of Bristol said in a recent statement.

With an only a few picowatts required to activate the voltage detector. For example the initial signal coming from the primary sensor could power the voltage detector. You would be able to activate the voltage detector with only a few picowatts. In certain instances in order to increase battery life device you should eliminate listening power. This will also make the system less environmentally wasteful. Researchers have claimed that is battery life is extended, in some cases by years by continuously staying in listening mode and waiting on an event with zero power consumption. A switch can be activated by a voltage detector that is then able to trigger an open drain out output, generated by a small voltage of 500mV or 650V.