RadioGami: Batteryless, long-range wireless paper sensors using tunnel diodes
A battery-free, low-cost, easy-to-manufacture, long-range wireless paper sensor platform that integrates ultra-low-power tunnel diode oscillator circuits onto paper substrates, generating RF signals locally and harvesting energy from ambient light.
The problem
Traditional electronics substrates, such as polyimide, PDMS, silicon, and metal foils, are costly, rigid, and poorly suited for embedding sensors into everyday objects at scale. Paper-based platforms are a low-cost alternative but have traditionally been wired or battery-powered, offsetting the initial cost with operational costs and limited scalability. Further, Tunnel Diode Oscillator (TDO) systems offer a promising path to long-range wireless sensing, but have been traditionally built on rigid printed circuit boards, leaving a need for integration of TDO circuits onto low-cost flexible substrates.
The solution
Researchers at the University of Tennessee, Knoxville have developed RadioGami, a battery-free, low-cost, easy-to-manufacture, long-range wireless paper sensor platform that integrates ultra-low-power TDO circuits onto paper substrates, generating RF signals locally and harvesting energy from ambient light rather than relying on batteries or wired power. This platform supports various physical embodiments with defined assembly methods, enabling flexible deployment across a broad range of sensing applications.
Benefits
- Battery-free and ambient light powered operation, using just 35 µW
- Has a long range RF signal, demostrating wireless sensing range up to 45.73 meters
- Able to be fabricated at a low-cost at about $20 using cheap materials and off-the-shelf electronics
- Able to be used in multiple environments, spanning workspace monitoring, environmental and object sensing, package integrity and tamper detection, origami-inspired interactive surfaces, and IoT integration
About University of Tennessee, Knoxville
UT offers a partnership model that reduces risk, accelerates time-to-value, and supports long-term growth strategies for industry—providing an attractive platform for companies seeking to formalize collaboration and establish a long-term presence in the East Tennessee region. By aligning institutional investment with regional and national priorities, UT provides a stable and effective platform for industry collaboration, technology deployment, and sustained economic impact.
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