Elimination of Primary Batteries and Energy Harvesting

Currently, many primary batteries are used in electronic devices, but about half of them are disposed of without being collected.

This is particularly relevant in Europe, where the transition to rechargeable batteries is being promoted by Regulation (EU) 2023/1542 to evaluate the feasibility of phasing out disposable batteries.²

AKM contributes to the creation of electronic devices that do not use primary batteries through its proprietary circuitry for energy harvesting.

When primary batteries cannot be used, direct power supply by USB or charging a lithium-ion battery by USB charging is possible. However, there are several challenges with these power supply methods.

USB power supply

• Requires an available USB port
• USB cannot be carried while charging
• Requires as many USB cables as the number of devices

Recharging rechargeable batteries with USB

• Vulnerable to water and dust
• Batteries are exhausted if left unattended
• Damaged by repeated insertion and removal of the cable

Integrated devices that incorporate energy harvesting IC do not require external power supplies, thereby solving problems such as restricted installation locations and damaged connectors. This can also be expected to seal the device, enhancing its waterproof and dustproof capability. In addition, AKM's Energy Harvesting IC offers methods suitable for recharging a variety of storage devices, such as lithium-ion batteries, EDLC (Electric Double-Layer Capacitor), and multilayer ceramic capacitors, thereby proposing energy harvesting solutions tailored to customers' applications.

For more information on IC of AKM, see Reasons for Selection.