Evaluation Kit 2.0 from CHERRY demonstrates Energy Harvesting Technology
CHERRY Industrial Solutions presents a revised Evaluation Kit 2.0 to demonstrate their Energy Harvesting Technology. The kit, containing an energy harvesting generator, rocker switch and a snap-action switch, provides users with the opportunity to carry out initial application tests. In addition, a compatible receiver with antenna is also included. A detailed manual, drivers and software for the receiver are available for download from CHERRY’s website.
The Evaluation Kit 2.0 allows users to measure the switching performance, range and signal strength, as well as the environmental influences of the radio transmission in various applications such as building and industrial automation. The addition of a (non-functional) energy harvesting generator means that mechanical design considerations, including mounting position etc., can also be simulated.
The energy harvesting wireless technology from CHERRY works on an inductive basis. The inductive generator transforms energy created by mechanical actuation into an electrical energy pulse. By actuating the generator the magnetic flux is suddenly reversed in a coil system, creating the required electrical energy. This energy pulse contains the basic electrical energy, which is then transformed and spread over time into a constant supply voltage by the energy management components. It provides the radio electronics with the required energy to transmit the radio signal. The small size, high efficiency and long life expectancy (up to 1,000,000 cycles) makes the product, in either form factor, ideal for installation in tight spaces without having to worry about maintenance.
The energy harvesting product portfolio includes a generator as well as different housed switch variants: a rocker switch for actuation by hand and a snap-action switch for mechanical actuation, for example by a machine.
The receiver will be available as an ‘RF-stamp’, in the form of a mini printed circuit board, for integration into an existing electronic control system. Alternatively, the receiver module will also be available as an independently housed product, with multiple connectivity options and own power supply. This version is also suitable for wall and rail mounting.
The housed switches and the receiver are available for European and North-American frequency bands (868MHz or 915MHz). A ready-for-installation energy harvesting wireless light switch module for the KNX-RF standard is also available.
About CHERRY
CHERRY is a registered brand of ZF Friedrichshafen AG. Under the CHERRY product brand, the Electronic Systems business unit develops and produces components for industrial and household applications, as well as computer input devices.
ZF is a worldwide leading technology company in driveline and chassis technology with 122 production companies in 26 countries. In 2014, the Group will presumably achieve a sales figure of more than €18 billion with about 72 000 employees. In order to continue to be successful with innovative products, ZF annually invests about 5 percent of its sales (2014: around €890 million) in research and development. ZF is one of the ten largest automotive suppliers worldwide.
