We’re proud to share that Nanopower Semiconductor is featured in the June/July edition of Designing...
TU Delft Integrates Nanopower’s nPZero IC in Groundbreaking Sleep Monitoring Research
Nanopower contributes to this TU Delft-led research project by supplying the ultra-low power nPZero IC, enabling continuous, battery-free operation of the oral sensor.
The human mouth holds a wealth of information about overall health, including data on sleep apnea and other sleep disorders. Researchers from TU Delft, in collaboration with TU Eindhoven and Radboudumc, have developed a: Densor, a battery-free sensor platform that can be worn in the mouth via a standard dental brace.
This innovative open-source technology enables safe and user-friendly long-term oral measurements, without the need for additional hardware—just a smartphone for charging and data reading. The sensor enables continuous monitoring of sleep, providing more extensive sleep data then wearables like smartwatches, and without the need for costly sleep clinics. The cutting-edge project has received Open Technology Program funding from the Dutch Research Council (NWO).
"The SMILE (Sustainable Monitoring of Sleep Disorder with Multimodal Intraoral Sensor) project is the next step in developing a truly useful and multi-purpose sensor that can be installed in the human mouth for detailed and continuous sleep monitoring.
The sensor is particularly tailored to sleep studies and the monitoring of treatment of sleep disorders. It will be a collaborative effort between three universities (TU Eindhoven, Radboudumc, TU Delft), with TU Delft taking the lead. The project spans multiple domains, including computer science, sensor design, signal processing, and dentistry. It also involves an international network of small, medium, and large enterprises, as well as advisory boards from several countries, including Austria, Canada, the Netherlands, and the United Kingdom."
Versatile Applications
The technology has the potential to support a wide range of applications, including sleep research, diagnosis of apnea and dental wear, and monitoring treatment adherence. The researchers are currently working on expanding the platform with additional sensors and integrated data processing, unlocking even more possibilities, including detecting acid reflux and monitoring saliva production.
Open Technology Programme
The Open Technology Programme provides funding for application-oriented technical-scientific research that is free and unrestricted and is not hindered by disciplinary boundaries. The programme offers companies and other organisations an accessible way to participate in scientific research that is intended to lead to societal and/or scientific impact.
Learn More
🧠 Explore the nPZero Companion IC
🎥 Watch demo videos on YouTube
EIC Accelerator funding
Nanopower development is part-funded through EU’s European Innovation Council.