Thanks to the use of efficient wireless system-on-chip and power management semiconductors, energy harvesting can now replace conventional batteries in many applications. In addition to being environmentally friendly, this technology also reduces the costs associated with battery maintenance, supply chain, logistics, and disposal.
Innovative integration of Bluetooth and energy harvesting
For the new extension of the RDK3, Rutronik allows the Infineon PSOCTM 64 (Secured MCU) integrated in the development kit to communicate with an EnOcean PTM 216B module, which contains a nRF52 SoC from Nordic Semiconductor, with an integrated Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) interface. In the developed demo, the latter is located in a standard light switch and draws its electrical energy from mechanical motion – such as a keystroke. The RDK3 enables easy, cross-supplier communication between components, which means added design flexibility.
This type of technology is already established in light switches in buildings based on the Sub GHz EnOcean protocol. This protocol and ecosystem are maintained by the American EnOcean Alliance, which takes care of this 868 (EU) / 902 (USA) / 928 (JPN) MHz protocol. The German EnOcean GmbH manufactures the hardware for this. In a single module, both the components for kinematic energy harvesting and wireless connectivity are embedded. For the RDK3-based remote control, the company's expertise and patents in the field of energy harvesting are used, but combined with Nordic Semiconductor's Bluetooth technology, instead of the original Sub GHz-SoC.
Rutronik is a long-standing franchise partner of EnOcean, Nordic Semiconductor and Infineon Technologies. The energy harvesting modules, the components they contain and the demos are available directly from Rutronik24.com. In this way, the distributor's customers benefit from the close and trusting cooperation with the manufacturers, which enables comprehensive and in-depth expertise in wireless applications, among other things. This connection between distributor and manufacturers saves developers a considerable amount of time when it comes to designing and implementing their own designs.
Wide range of possible applications – live at embedded world 2025, Hall 2, Booth 248
The possibilities offered by the new RDK3 remote control are virtually endless. In combination with various adapter boards from the Rutronik portfolio, applications such as
- Switching high-performance LEDs on and off using the Rutronik Adapter Board RAB5 – OSIRE,
- Sending SMS messages using the Rutronik Adapter Board RAB4 – RTK
- Generating voice messages with the Rutronik Adapter Board Text-to-Speech
A corresponding demo is available at the exhibition booth for a first hands-on experience. - Triggering sensor value measurements can be realized by the Rutronik Adapter Board RAB1 – Sensorfusion can be realized.
Further information about Rutronik's appearance at embedded world 2025 is available here.