
University of Michigan’s researchers have created the world’s first millimeter-scale complete computing system. Measuring in about over 1 cubic millimeter, the computer features an ultra low-power microprocessor, pressure sensor, memory, thin-film battery, a solar cell and a wireless radio with an antenna that can communicate with an external reader. It consumes 5.3 nanowatts, which requires 1.5 hours of sunlight to charge the battery or 10 hours of indoor light per day, and can store up to a week’s worth of data. The new computer is designed as an implantable eye pressure monitor for glaucoma patients. Incorporating a microprocessor, pressure sensor, memory, thin-film battery, solar cell and wireless radio with an antenna that can transmit data to an external reader device. The computer uses the third generation of the university’s Phoenix chip, which utilizes a unique power gating architecture.