Texas Instruments & Fulton Innovation Focus On Wireless Power
Texas Instruments Inc. (TI) announced that it is working with Fulton Innovation, LLC (Fulton) to accelerate development of efficient wireless power solutions that can charge portable devices without traditional power cords. TI states that its semiconductor technologies can help minimize cost, board space, and accelerate time to market of Fulton’s eCoupled™ technology-based power delivery and charging systems in low-, medium- and high-power applications ranging from cell phones to notebook computers to power tools and other rechargeable applications.
As part of the relationship, TI integrated circuits (ICs) could be designed to support eCoupled inductive wireless power technology, a patented technique that optimizes power transfer under multiple, varying load conditions and spatial configurations. These IC-based solutions would be used to create a universal power source that can charge multiple devices at the same time, including devices that require different charging voltages. The companies imagine charging a laptop, cell phone, digital camera and MP3 player all at once, in one place, and never plugging a charger into the wall.
"We are excited to work with Texas Instruments to co-develop advanced, inventive power delivery solutions," said Dave Baarman, Fulton’s Director of Advanced Technologies. "This will enable commercialization of cost and power-efficient systems, benefitting both the makers and end-users of portable equipment."
"Fulton’s eCoupled technology is exciting and provides new opportunities for commercial, industrial and consumer electronics manufacturers to change the way power is delivered to their devices," said Steve Anderson, Senior Vice President of TI’s power management business unit. "Users will be able to charge their cell phones, headsets and laptops in new and convenient ways that previously were not possible."
Fulton’s eCoupled technology is designed to be used anywhere traditional power needs exist – whether you are at home or office, in the car or manufacturing plant. It supplies power and communication through an inductively coupled power circuit that dynamically seeks resonance, allowing the primary supply circuit to adapt its operation to match the needs of the eCoupled-enabled devices it recognizes.
"We look forward to supporting eCoupled-based solutions using our extensive portfolio of charge and power management solutions for all types of portable applications," said Masoud Beheshti, Director of Battery Charge Solutions in TI’s Battery Management Solutions Group. "The goal is to have end-equipment designs with a combination of TI semiconductors and eCoupled technology available in the market in 2009."
