Zero and Near Zero Power Intelligent Microsystems

The Near Zero Power RF and Sensor Operations (N-ZERO) program from DARPA has created a new, nanowatt class of intelligent sensors and RF receivers enabling systems that are passive or nearly passive while operating in an intelligent standby mode. Such systems can be persistently powered by small batteries for many years or perpetually via miniature energy harvesters. The program sought wake-up receivers with a sensitivity of -100dBm and physical sensors that could classify vehicles at a range of 10 m, with power consumption on order of the self-discharge rate of a small battery. Furthermore, researchers with designs that fit other applications, such as chemical and IR sensors, were open to participate as well. From the program multiple approaches have emerged featuring passive and active MEMS devices and subthreshold CMOS circuits. The overall goals of the program have helped to redefine the state-of-the art in ultra-low power receivers, machine learning processors, and passive physical sensors.