The Wireless Power Consortium (WPC) today announced significant advances to the resonant extension of the Qi specification to offer even more options to the wireless charging industry. As wireless charging capabilities become ubiquitous in portable consumer electronics, many consumers will wish to charge all of their devices at a single location. Qi chargers have always been capable of multiple-device charging, but the latest specification revision will reduce the cost of charging multiple devices by using a single inverter.
Along with the achievements above, the WPC member meeting saw important technical advances for the Qi specification, including: Power transfer up to 30mm, compatible with today's Qi v1.1 receivers; Five different member companies demonstrating charging at a distance of 45mm using prototype Qi v.1.2 receivers; Successful interoperability tests between existing Qi v1.1 systems and prototype v.1.2 systems; Approval of new low power transmitter designs to create more versatility and choice in automotive applications; and Wireless power up to 2kW for kitchen applications.
"The WPC is committed to advancing a specification that offers the best user experience without sacrifices in critically important areas to consumers and businesses alike," said Menno Treffers, chairman of the WPC. "This means backward compatibility with products already in the market and maintaining high-efficiency even over greater distances."
"It is clear there is room to safely and efficiently push the distance and power limits within the Qi specification," said Treffers. "And with more than 50 million receivers in the market and 500 certified products, Qi is well-positioned to continue its market leadership as it drives forward the global wireless charging ecosystem of manufacturers, innovators and end-users."
The integration of resonant charging into the already present inductive technology within the Qi specification gives users the option to discreetly embed wireless chargers deeper in structures, like furniture and desktops, or utilize direct-contact, low cost, surface applications. Expanding the present Qi specification assures current Qi-compatible device owners that their devices will be supported even as the specification evolves and progresses.
