Mobile Phone Without Battery Can Be Improved

Researchers from the University of Washington recently discovered how to make phones without batteries. Although the phone is still a prototype, its function can be tested.

The phone without the battery is still without casing, just a circuit board connected with earphones. Power consumption as quoted by KompasTekno from Slashgear on Monday (7/10/2017), only 3.5 microwatt.

The power is obtained from solar cells whose size is no more than a grain of rice. The cell collects light and radio signals around and turns them into electrical power. Mobile signals obtained from a special BTS which is about 15 meters.

According to the researchers, converting analog audio to digital is the part that consumes high power in mobile phones.

To overcome this, the prototype of the phone using a microphone and speakers that have a small vibration to change the incoming and outgoing signals.

The phone without this battery has no screen, just a capacitive touch button to dial the phone number. The demo shown in the video shows that the phone can connect with Skype.

The phone without this battery can not send and receive voice simultaneously, so its function is similar to handy-talky (HT), user must press and hold button to talk or hear voice.

This prototype will continue to be developed, such as adding an e-ink screen into the phone and encryption to increase security.

In the future, BTS-BTS-owned mobile phone without battery is expected to be installed on the BTS mobile operator or WiFi router, so its reach more widespread.