Free-Position Wireless Chargers: Fundamentals and Challenges

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Join Dr. Ali Saket and Mr. Eric Goodchild to learn the fundamentals of free-position wireless charging and the technical challenges associated with its design!

PRESENTATION SUMMARY

Wireless power based on the Qi standard has established itself as the preferred technology for charging mobile devices in cars, homes, and common spaces worldwide. A broad ecosystem of thousands of interoperable devices has been built over the years from leading consumer electronic companies, all automotive OEMs now include wireless charging stations in their vehicles, and the market size is projected to be $20B+ per year.

Traditional wireless chargers are typically capable of charging one device at a time and need precise alignment between the transmitter and receiver coils leading to frustrating and poor user experiences. To improve the usability and address the limitations of traditional wireless chargers, free-position wireless charging transmitters that consist of overlapping coils have started coming to market. Most famously, Apple had announced AirPower in 2017, a free-position multi-coil technology that was canceled only 2 years later due to "engineering challenges".

Free-position wireless chargers can track the location of multiple receivers across the surface and position magnetic fields that deliver efficient and precise power. The ultimate consumer experience is an ability to place multiple devices across the surface, including smartphones and earbuds, and effortlessly charge everything. This talk will review the fundamentals of free-position wireless charging and technical challenges in designing such systems.

 

 

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