Wi-Charge says Gen2 receiver drives wireless charging further
Israeli wireless power specialist, Wi-Charge has enhanced its wireless charging technology to reduce footprint and increase power to extend the range of devices and capabilities for wireless charging.
According to the company, the Wi-Charge Gen2 receiver sets new standards in power, ease of integration, and form factor. It is available immediately for device manufacturers and will be showcased at CES 2023 (Las Vegas, 05 to 08 January).
Wi-Charge’s technology comprises a wireless power transmitter and receiver. The transmitter converts electricity into safe infra red beams, which are delivered to the receiver which is embedded in client devices. The receiver converts the infra red energy into electricity, which charges the internal battery or supercapacitor. The receiver also sends telemetry data back to the transmitter, including battery status, usage statistics and billing information.
The patented infra red wireless power technology can safely and efficiently deliver several Watts of power to client devices at room-sized distances, confirmed Wi-Charge.
The Gen2 receiver offers 40 per cent more power than the first generation with a footprint that is 30 per cent. This, said the company, opens up over the air, wireless charging to a broader range of devices and use cases.
The enhancements have resulted in the Gen2 receiver now including a battery charger, configurable output voltage, and control interface. It can transfer customer alerts and telemetries from the receiver to the transmitter and from there to the Wi-Charge cloud where charging data is aggregated. Smart power delivery can be controlled remotely.
The increase in power allows the Wi-Charge transmitter to power more devices from one transmitter and power devices that require greater power to run its features, said Wi-Charge.
The smaller receiver footprint is accompanied by easier mechanical integration, added the company.
The receiver requires simpler electronic integration with devices, which lowers R&D costs as well as the bill of materials for device OEMs.
Wi-Charge claimed it is the first company to commercialise over-the-air wireless charging, working with customers across industries, including consumer and commercial products. The technology is deployed worldwide in countries including the United States, Canada, Brazil and Israel.
Its wireless charging technology has been embedded in devices ranging from smart locks to advertising video displays to contactless charging pads. It enables a constant source of power to devices (regardless of access to an outlet or charged battery).
“We continue to push the wireless charging market forward, expanding what is possible for device manufacturers,” said Ori Mor, co-founder and chief business officer, Wi-Charge.
“We have focused our development. . . on significantly expanding the power that Wi-Charge’s over-the-air wireless charging solutions can deliver to devices over greater distances,” said Eli Zlatkin, vice president, research and development, Wi-Charge. He added that the Gen2 receiver “represents a significant step forward for Wi-Charge and the industry and is just the tip of the iceberg for what we intend to deliver to the market over the next two to three years”.
