The Internet of Things (IoT) is expanding rapidly, connecting billions of devices around the world. At the heart of this revolution lie sensor networks — vast arrays of devices collecting and transmitting data to enable smarter environments, from smart cities to industrial automation. Central to these networks are custom-designed chips tailored to meet the unique demands of IoT sensors, but designing these chips comes with its own set of challenges and exciting innovations.
The Unique Demands of IoT Sensor Networks
The path to Industry 4.0 transformation demands overcoming technological silos, ensuring interoperability with legacy systems, and addressing cybersecurity risks inherent in expansive IoT deployments. Organisations must also invest in workforce upskilling and cultivate a culture receptive to digital innovation and continuous change.
Key Challenges in Custom Chip Design
- Power Consumption: Minimising energy use is paramount, requiring innovations in low-power circuit design and adaptive power management.
- Size Constraints: Sensors are often embedded in compact or wearable devices, necessitating chips with a small footprint.
- Connectivity Requirements: Supporting multiple wireless protocols such as Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE), Zigbee, or proprietary standards adds complexity.
- Environmental Robustness: Chips must withstand temperature variations, humidity, and physical shocks depending on deployment scenarios.
- Security Concerns: Ensuring data privacy and protection against cyber threats is critical, especially in applications like healthcare or industrial control.
Innovations Driving Custom Chip Design

- Advanced Semiconductor Processes: Utilising cutting-edge fabrication techniques to reduce size and power consumption while enhancing performance.
- System-on-Chip (SoC) Integration: Combining multiple functions, including sensing, processing, and communication, into a single chip to save space and energy.
- Energy Harvesting Technologies: Incorporating circuits that can harness ambient energy sources such as light, vibration, or radio frequency to extend device lifespan.
- On-Chip Security Features: Embedding hardware-based encryption and tamper-resistant mechanisms to safeguard data from the ground up.
- AI Accelerators: Integrating specialised processing units to enable local data analytics, reducing the need for constant cloud communication.
The Future of Custom Chips in IoT Sensor Networks
As IoT applications become more sophisticated, the demand for customised, high-performance chips will continue to grow. Manufacturers are exploring flexible electronics, bio-compatible materials, and even neural-inspired designs to push sensor capabilities further.
How Global Research Supports Chip Innovation
Global Research is at the forefront of developing custom semiconductor solutions tailored to the complex needs of IoT sensor networks. By combining expertise in circuit design, system integration, and security, Global Research helps clients create efficient, robust, and innovative chips that power next-generation IoT applications.