A self-powered microsystem with efficient power management for continuous wireless sensing

The rapid expansion of the Internet of Things (IoT) has increased the demand for self-powered wireless microsystems, with energy harvesters emerging as a key approach for powering distributed IoT nodes. Among energy harvesters, triboelectric nanogenerators (TENGs) are promising for harvesting mechanical energy; yet converting their high-voltage, low-current pulsed output into a stable, low-voltage supply for microsystems remains a key challenge. This work introduces a self-powered microsystem capable of continuous sensing and wireless communication, powered exclusively by a TENG harvesting low-frequency mechanical energy. System-level integration and optimization address the impedance mismatch between the energy harvester and the microsystem electronics, enabling a five-fold increase in harvested energy compared to conventional full-bridge rectification. The system cold-starts from 0 V to 4.2 V within 525 s and transitions to high-efficiency power management, providing ~110 μW under 5 Hz mechanical excitation. Enabled by low-power system operation, a self-powered wireless gas monitoring system is demonstrated. This system establishes a pathway toward battery-less IoT nodes and highlights the potential of TENG-powered microsystems for long-term, maintenance-free IoT applications.