The Self Energizing Implantable Medical Microsystem (SIMM) generates power by using differential pressure within the chambers of the heart and was able to produce a third of the energy for a pacemaker when tested.
Zarlink Semiconductor developed the product alongside inVivo Technology, Perpetuum, Finsbury Orthopaedics and Odstock Medical, with the item winning the Emerging Technology Award at the Institution of Engineering and Technology's Innovation Awards 2009.
Marting McHugh, business development manager of the company and SIMM project coordinator, claimed that the wider significance of the accolade is that it is evidence of the importance of energy harvesting as a technique.
He added: "The SIMM microgenerator will help enable new implanted medical devices that support more advanced applications and functionality, while also improving quality-of-life for patients."
In other semiconductor news, sales of the computer chips were higher than industry bodies had expected in October.
