Self-powered detection device with a non-volatile memory

Abstract

The self-powered detection device comprises a Non-Volatile Memory (NVM) unit () formed at least by a NVM cell and a sensor which is activated by a physical or chemical action or phenomenon, this sensor forming an energy harvester that transforms energy from said physical or chemical action or phenomenon into an electrical stimulus pulse, said NVM unit being arranged for storing in said NVM cell, by using the electrical power of said electrical stimulus pulse, a bit of information relative to the detection by said sensor, during a detection mode of the self-powered detection device, of at least one physical or chemical action or phenomenon applied to it with at least a given strength or intensity and resulting in a voltage stimulus signal provided between a set control terminal (SET) and a base terminal (SET *) of said NVM unit with at least a given set voltage. The self-powered detection device comprises a read circuit () or is arranged to be coupled to such a read circuit and further comprises a clamp circuit () located between the sensor and the NVM unit, this clamp circuit being arranged for passing said voltage stimulus signal on a set line connecting the sensor and the set control terminal of the NVM unit, this voltage stimulus pulse having a polarity corresponding to a set polarity of said NVM cell, and for blocking other voltage signals having approximately an amplitude corresponding to said set voltage or higher and an inverse polarity relative to the set polarity of said NVM cell, in order to avoid a possible erase of this NVM cell by such other voltage signals.