Nuclear Batteries Enable Decades of Uninterrupted Life for Microelectronic Systems

Abstract

Nuclear radioisotope batteries are a class of energy dense power sources that convert radioactive decay particle energy directly into electricity for powering sensors, electronics, and medical implants in applications where battery replacement is difficult or impossible. In order to show the potential benefits of integrating these types of power sources into microelectronic sensor systems, three recent examples from the literature are considered: a gas sensor; a communication component (radio frequency front-end); and a photoplethysmographic sensor. These were selected to represent three common microsystem components: environmental sensors; communication components; and biological sensors. In each case, system operational lifetime is computed when powered with a commercial Li-ion coin cell battery, followed by a comparison with three nuclear battery prototypes from the literature. In each case, the nuclear power sources allow potential continuous, unattended operational life to be extended by an order of magnitude or more, typically from less than one year to decades of continuous use. Advantages and disadvantages of nuclear batteries in general are also addressed.