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April 11, 2019 – ON Semiconductor (NASDAQ: ON), a leader in high-energy efficiency innovation, has launched the RSL10 multi-sensor platform powered solely by solar cells, continuing to realize battery-free and maintenance-free Internet of Things (IoT). This complete solution supports the development of IoT sensors, utilizing continuous solar energy harvesting to collect and transmit data via Bluetooth Low Energy without the need for batteries or other non-renewable energy sources.
The powerful combination of ultra-low power wireless communication, compact solar cells, and low duty cycle sensing applications makes it possible to develop and configure completely maintenance-free IoT sensor nodes.The RSL10 solar cell multi-sensor platform is enabled by the complete System-in-Package (SiP) solution RSL10 SIP, which features the RSL10 radio, integrated antenna, and all passive components.
This platform combines the RSL10 SIP, solar cells, and many low-power sensors from Bosch Sensortec, including the BME280 multifunctional integrated environmental sensor (pressure, temperature, humidity) and the BMA400 ultra-low power 3-axis accelerometer, allowing developers and manufacturers to create complete IoT nodes powered entirely by renewable energy or energy harvested from the surrounding sensors.
Dr. Peter Weigand, Vice President of Marketing at Bosch Sensortec, said:
After the success of the RSL10 sensor development kit, we are excited to partner again with ON Semiconductor to develop a new cutting-edge sensor development platform powered entirely by solar energy. The BMA400 is the first truly ultra-low power accelerometer with no compromise on performance. This platform, combined with the BME280 integrated environmental sensor, provides a comprehensive sensing solution for IoT applications such as climate control, intrusion detection, and asset tracking..
Wiren Perera, IoT Director at ON Semiconductor, stated regarding the launch of the RSL10 solar cell multi-sensor platform: 
To support the growth of IoT, manufacturers are actively exploring alternative energy sources for their designs to help reduce environmental impact and lower manufacturing and maintenance costs. We have demonstrated that solutions built with the RSL10 Bluetooth Low Energy radio can not only develop battery-free, maintenance-free smart sensors but also assist manufacturers in improving their designs.
The applications of IoT sensors are increasing, with their duty cycles low enough to support intermittent communication, allowing the harvesting of energy required for operation from renewable sources. The energy efficiency of the RSL10 is enhanced by a high-efficiency power management system and the ultra-low power sensors of the platform. Expected applications will include smart home and building automation such as HVAC control, window/door sensors, and air quality monitoring. Other potential applications include asset tracking such as package open/close detection, impact monitoring, and temperature and humidity data logging.
To simplify development, the platform comes with all design files (Gerber, schematics, and Bill of Materials (BOM)), and customizable source code as part of the CMSIS software package. ON Semiconductor provides the RSL10 solar cell multi-sensor platform and many other high-efficiency rapid IoT prototyping platforms, including the energy harvesting Bluetooth Low Energy switch recently recognized as one of the most competitive IoT solutions in China by “China Electronics News” in 2018.
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