It’s safe to say that batteries power our lives. Whether we’re using smartphones, MP3 players, laptops, tablets, or any one of hundreds of devices, we rely on batteries to keep us connected, entertained, informed and aware. More than this, however, we depend on batteries to keep us alive – batteries that drive the technology used by doctors, policemen, firefighters and more. And when these batteries power down, run out, or need to be checked, our lives can literally be put at risk. Why then are batteries not being built to last?
Good question. And it’s one that many companies round the globe are attempting to find an answer to. At Wittra, however, we’ve already found the solution. After years of research and development, we’ve perfected the secret to long-lasting battery functionality – minimizing energy consumption.
Going beyond the battery
It goes without saying that the Internet of Moving Things is dependent on batteries. Moving things need power in order to function while they move. It makes sense then, that any technology Wittra develops in this space would focus on the need for maximum battery life. Which is exactly what we did.
After trying many different approaches to optimize the run time of the device, here’s what we found:
1. Smart logic infrastructure – Redesigning the infrastructure of where data is being processed can help to significantly decrease energy consumption by minimizing over-the-air data transfer.
2. Context awareness – By using exceptionally energy efficient sensors on our mobile device and understanding not only where the device is, but what it is doing as well, smart decisions about the need for increased power elements within the device (wireless communication circuits) can be made.
3. Sub-GHz – The use of sub-GHz radio signals reduces the power needed for communication.
4. Communication platforms – Using the right communication channel at the right time can reduce energy wastage and power consumption simultaneously.
5. Smart power management – Adding smart power management code to the battery control can substantially extend its life by duty cycling every functional block.
6. Time of flight method – Sending and receiving data directly from the communication chip decreases processing time and minimizes power consumption as a result. What’s more, using time-of-flight to position the device outdoors uses 100 times less energy than GPS!
By turning our attention to power consumption, rather than the battery itself, we have been able to advance our technology further than we ever thought possible – which is why today we have 48 granted and pending patents for our breakthroughs in this field alone.
Giving batteries new life
Low power consumption. It’s a philosophy that’s made Wittra technology what it is – completely unique within the marketplace, and completely revolutionary within the Internet of Moving Things. It’s also what’s allowed us to develop a rechargeable battery with Smart Power Management that’s capable of lasting for up to 12 months or more from just a single charge, while providing unheard-of range. Because while competitors in the IoMT may be satisfied with batteries that last for one or two weeks, we’re only happy with batteries that last for at least a year. And beyond.
If you’re as interested in our innovative solutions and forward-thinking technology as we are, we’d love to hear from you. Simply contact us, sign up for our upcoming webinar, or download one of our technology reviews to learn more about us, and the Internet of Moving Things.
We can’t wait to show you Wittra.