Current trends in low-power embedded computing

Great advancements in the electronics technology are making possible applications that were considered science fiction only few decades ago. Increases in packaging density of electronic devices, shrinking of physical weight and volume, and accelerated drop in prices, have all helped for the realization of ubiquitous computing using mobile and embedded electronic devices for everyday use. However, the ability to provide long-term sustainable power to many of such applications has been a significant challenge. This paper provides a short survey of the current trends in low-power embedded computing. It reviews the sources of power consumption in electronic devices, presents dynamic energy management techniques; and finally, it reviews energy harvesting techniques to allow autonomous operation.