The wireless sensing specialist EnOcean has developed a technology that allows self-powered wireless sensors and actuators to receive information as well as transmitting it. The German company says that the bidirectional capability of its Dolphin platform will open up new applications. It will also be able to acknowledge the receipt of wireless signals, thus helping to detect and correct problems immediately.

The wireless modules (above) harvest the energy they need to transmit control commands from their surroundings – from solar cells, differences in temperature, or the movement of a button, for example – eliminating the need for complicated and costly cabling. The modules are based on a chip with an energy converter interface and a complete RF transceiver.
 
OEMs can integrate the new modules into their product ranges, and devices from different manufacturers can communicate and co-operate with each other.