Low-Power On-Chip Energy Harvesting: From Interface Circuits Perspective

Multiple parameter environment monitoring via wireless Internet of Thing sensors is growing rapidly, thanks to low power techniques of the node. More importantly, the ever more complex and highly efficient energy harvesting systems enable long-term continuous monitoring in inaccessible environments without needing to change the battery. This paper reviews existing energy harvesting modalities, including photovoltaic, piezoelectric, pyroelectric, electromagnetic, and vibration, together with circuit techniques of interfacing power management circuits for energy harvesters. Moreover, techniques used to interface with multiple mode energy harvesters to obtain a stable output power with optimal power efficiency are discussed as an emerging direction. The state-of-the-art energy harvesting systems together with future development trends are provided.