Healthy development

An ultra-low power silicon chip could pave the way for future wireless body networks that use 'digital plasters' in healthcare applications.

The Sensium chip, developed by Toumaz Technology - a spin-out from Imperial College London - is said to consume up to 100 times less power than any other similar device in the world and employs the spin-out's proprietary AMx technology as part of an intelligent system on a chip.

Coupled with external sensors such as heart rate monitors or biochemical sensors that monitor glucose or blood pH levels, it is hoped that the chip could be used to continuously monitor patient health.

Toumaz director of technology Dr Alison Burdett believes that wireless body networks - where patients can be remotely monitored 24 hours a day - is only possible if the battery that powers the sensors is not cumbersome or intrusive.

'Its low-power consumption is key. It will open up a range of applications where small size is important, particularly for body-worn and healthcare applications,' she said.