verything from tactical bodyware computers to Micro Air Vehicles-six-inch- long unmanned reconnaissance aircraft. The technology, once perfected, should spill over quickly into business and consumer products, Gomez says. "Laptop computers, cell phones, and a variety of other portable electronics products could all benefit." ENERGY TO GO-POWER GENERATION Yale scientists are concentrating on developing the most effective combus- tion technology, while researchers at other institutions are working on tech- niques for converting thermal energy into electrical energy. "Conventional battery technology has reached a dead end," says Gomez. "We're looking to develop a power source that's every bit as innovative as the latest military systems." 8.5 POWER MONITOR As people increasingly rely on sophisticated mobile phones and PDAs to handle an array of tasks, knowing exactly how much battery power remains inside a device becomes ever more critical, especially before accessing impor- tant information or initiating a wireless transaction. Texas Instruments is looking to help mobile device users accurately monitor their power usage. The company has developed the first fully integrated battery fuel gauge for single-cell lithium ion and lithium polymer battery packs. The chip-based gauge is designed to help users observe remaining battery capacity and system run time (time to empty). The chip, named bqJunior, promises to help manufacturers reduce the development time and total cost of implementing a comprehensive battery fuel gauge system in mobile devices. "As battery-powered consumer devices become more complicated and dynamic, designers of those products will require the right intelligent hardware to provide accurate information about the battery and system run times to better manage available power," says Peter Fundaro, worldwide marketing manager for Texas Instrument's battery man- agement products. Fundaro notes that Texas Instrument's product simplifies the design of a cost-effective accurate battery fuel gauge in single c