At Embedded World 2025, EM Microelectronic, a subsidiary of The Swatch Group, presented a diverse array of ultra-low power solutions tailored for various industries. Ren, representing EM Microelectronic, introduced their latest 32-bit Bluetooth 5.4-enabled microcontroller, notable for its compact design and energy efficiency. This microcontroller is versatile, finding applications in audio devices, wearables, healthcare, and robotics. Its architecture utilizes the ARC core, operating at 48 MHz, which balances performance with reduced power consumption, distinguishing it from other microcontrollers that often require higher clock speeds.
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Synaptics is my Embedded World 2025 video coverage sponsor, check out my Synaptics videos here: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL7xXqJFxvYvhAbQoe9YN4c84SqXxIY3fQ
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Demonstrations included a solar-powered smartwatch equipped with a nearly invisible photovoltaic layer beneath the watch face, enabling recharging through both indoor and outdoor light sources. This design minimizes the need for frequent manual charging, potentially extending intervals between charges to several months. Another highlight was the integration of EM Microelectronic’s Bluetooth modules into electronic shelf labels, showcasing applications in retail environments where low power consumption and reliable connectivity are essential.
The company also displayed Bluetooth beacons powered by CR2032 batteries, achieving operational lifespans of up to seven years. These beacons, utilizing EM’s previous-generation microcontrollers, emit Bluetooth packets at 15-second intervals, demonstrating the potential for extended battery life in IoT applications. Future iterations promise even longer lifespans, further reducing maintenance requirements.
Energy harvesting technologies were another focal point. One demonstration featured a battery-less circuit powered solely by the mechanical action of pressing a button, capable of transmitting Bluetooth packets. This exemplifies the potential of energy harvesting in reducing reliance on traditional power sources. Additionally, a Bluetooth Human Interface Device (HID) profile was showcased, simulating a keyboard powered by a small solar panel, highlighting the feasibility of battery-free peripherals.
EM Microelectronic introduced an innovative approach to wireless charging using Near Field Communication (NFC) technology. This method enables low-power devices, such as earbuds, to be charged directly from smartphones equipped with NFC, eliminating the need for additional antennas and simplifying the charging process. The demonstration underscored the practicality of NFC-based power transfer for small-scale electronics.
The company’s expertise extends to display technologies, particularly in the development of ultra-low power reflective LCDs with integrated touch functionality. These displays consume approximately one microampere, making them ideal for battery-operated devices where power efficiency is critical. The optical enhancements and proprietary treatments applied to these displays ensure clarity and visibility, even in varying lighting conditions.
In the realm of wearable technology, EM Microelectronic’s displays have been incorporated into Swatch Group watches, offering connected features without compromising battery life. Some models integrate solar panels within the watch face, utilizing amorphous or monocrystalline silicon, to harness ambient light for recharging. This integration supports continuous operation without frequent manual charging, aligning with consumer desires for maintenance-free devices.
A notable demonstration involved a bicycle handlebar equipped with an ultra-low power display and a battery-less speed sensor. The sensor harvests energy from the rotation of the wheel, using variable reluctance magnetic coupling, to measure speed and transmit data via Bluetooth to the display. This application exemplifies the potential of energy harvesting and low-power wireless communication in enhancing user experiences in sports and fitness contexts.
Check out all my Embedded World 2025 videos in this playlist: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL7xXqJFxvYvjgUpdNMBkGzEWU6YVxR8Ga
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