Streamlining Microchip Energy Use
If you've wondered what we can do to make our sensor-based devices more environmentally-friendly, check out this article about a new microchip from the University of Michigan:
http://media.cleantech.com/2990/microchip-goes-low-power-with-sleep-mode
The chip is ultra-low power in sleep mode, using only 30 picowatts. It is made for use in medical implants, environment monitors, or surveillance equipment. In total, it is estimated to use 10 times less power when active and 30,000 times less power when "asleep" compared to presently used chips.
Although I don't know much about this type of research and design, I have hope that it will carry into other electronics soon to help dramatically reduce energy use.
