A device developed at Boise State University uses motion including random cyclic and vibrational motion to produce electrical power. This passive motion is transferred to linear motion through a mechanical connecting device which deforms a magnetoplastic and/or magnetoelastic material. The magnetoplastic and/or magnetoelasic material by means of the twin boundary deformation effect (the deformation of the surface that separates two intergrown crystals) transduces the mechanical linear motion into a change of magnetic field. The change of magnetization induces an electrical signal by a second thin-film transducer which transforms magnetization change into current or voltage.
1) The system has a simple design and may be produced in any size or shape which provides great potential for miniaturization nanotechnology and ease and economy of fabrication. 2) Thin film technology is advantageous for small-scale applications. 3) The system works completely by itself without the need to access the grid. 4) The device operates with high frequency and low displacement which increases efficiency.