Energous and Thinfilm Partner to Enhance Market Adoption of Compact, Wirelessly Rechargeable Devices

Systems solutions company, Energous Corporation, develops and supplies silicon-based wireless power transfer (WPT) technologies and customizable reference designs. WPT technologies from Energous range from transmitters, receivers, software infrastructure for device monitoring and configuration, as well as control software for prioritization and management purposes. Recently, the company announced its entry into a partnership with Thinfilm Electronics. 

Both companies look to simplify the integration of their respective technologies, which in this instance will be Energous WattUp radiofrequency (RF) wireless charging and Thinfilm solid-state lithium microbattery technology in form-factor-sensitive applications. These include hearables, wearables, and connected sensors. 

 

Image used courtesy of Energous 

 

Energous WattUp RF Wireless Charging

Energous’ WattUp wireless solution provides customers with contact-based and over-the-air wireless charging for small electronic devices whether they are being used at home or in an office, industrial, or medical setting. Devices can be charged within a distance of up to 15 feet. The WattUp Wireless Charging Ecosystem can also be employed within the automotive sector. Compared to wireless charging solutions that are currently on the market, WattUp provides users with the freedom of charging their devices without having to actively charge or manage batteries. Additionally, being able to charge devices within a distance allows freedom of movement and the ability to use the device alongside other activities provides flexibility when working or when at leisure. 

Energous’ WattUp RF wireless charging solution contact-based and over-the-air wireless charging for small electronic devices. Image used courtesy of Energous.

 

Combining Technologies

Thinfilm designs and develops ultrathin, durable, and scalable energy storage solutions based on solid-state lithium batteries (SSLBs). As opposed to  lithium-ion batteries that use a liquid electrolyte, SSLB’s utilize more stable materials that prevent the possibility of the battery catching fire or exploding. With this regard, Thin Film’s technology is designed to be safe, and with the company’s roll-to-roll fabrication line, a multitude of patents, and expertise in flexible electronics manufacturing, its technology provides form factor flexibility.

In a recent press release, CEO of Thinfilm, Kevin Barber, commented: “Thinfilm’s ultrathin, ultrasafe batteries and Energous’ WattUp wireless charging are ideal complementary technologies for the next generation of sleek, comfortable, easy-to-use wearable devices and connected sensors.” Barber added: “By combining effortlessly simple wireless charging with ultrathin, reliable solid-state batteries, device manufacturers can offer products combining long lifetimes and user convenience with striking new form factors that will amaze and delight their customers.”

Both Thinfilm and Energous aim to help device manufacturers create easy-to-use products, provide next-generation wireless connectivity and safety, and that can be flexibly designed to meet market demand. To encourage uptake of next-generation charging and energy storage technologies, both companies plan to promote their technologies to customers that wish for form factor freedom. The two companies will also target customers that are selling to consumers that favor reliability and convenience with respect to the desired product. 

In the same press release, President and CEO of Energous Corporation, Stephen R. Rizzone, said: “Innovative designers in the wearables, hearables, and sensor markets can combine the convenience of wireless charging with the form factor and longevity advantages of solid-state energy storage to deliver a unique combination of end-user comfort, high reliability, and maximum convenience.” Rizzone added: “Together with Thinfilm, we look forward to enabling the next generation of innovative wearable devices.”