Wireless charging has been around for a few years now, but it's fair to say it hasn't take off to sky-high heights. As with any fresh technology, standard needs to be set, technology developed and ultimately pushed out to consumers. Now Apple is getting in on the scene with its flagship iPhone ☓, plus the iPhone 8 and iPhone 8 plus smartphones coming with wireless charging capabilities.
What is wireless charging?
It is the transfer of power from power outlet to device without the need for connecting cables; it is self explanatory. Wireless charging involves a power transmitting pad and receiver, sometimes in the form of a case attached to a mobile device or even built into the phone itself.
How does wireless charging work?
- Inductive charging
- Transmitter and receiver create electromagnetic field
Wireless charging is based on inductive charging whereby power is created by passing an electrical current through two coils to create an electromagnetic field.
When the receiving magnetic plate on the mobile device comes into contact with the transmitter or at least within the specific range, the magnetic field generates an electrical current within the device. This current is thereby converted into direct current, which in turn charges the in-built battery.
What are the standards for wireless charging?
Qi and powermat
Qi adapted by majority of smartphone manufacturers
Powermat is less recognised.
There are a few standards floating around. The main you could have likely heard about is Qi (pronounced chee). Qi is a standard that has been developed by the Wireless Power Consortium for inductive charging over distance of about 40mm.
Qi has three separate power specifications, beginning with low power, which can deliver up to 5W and is primarily used in charging mobile devices and SmartWatchs - the WPC has said this will be tripled to 15W in the future. There is a medium power spec which can deliver up to 120W which are used for monitors and laptops and there is a high spec which delivers up to 1KW which can be used used to power things such as the kitchen utensils.
Many of the manufacturers have adopted Qi wireless charging :Samsung, Huwai, Motorola, Nokia, HTC, and Blackberry.
The other standard that has the potential to steal the limelight from Qi is PMA or Powermat. It too works on inductive charging, but in 2014, PMA signed a deal with another wireless charging consortium, the Alliance for Wireless power (A4WP). It works on magnetic resonance charging instead. The deal means the two companies can exchange technology and patent, to help evolve wireless charging at a much faster rate.What phones support wireless charging?
The majority of phones only support Qi wireless charging. However, some, such as the Samsung Galaxy S6 and S6 Edge, along with the Blackberry Priv, support both Qi and PMA standards. They both have technology built into their chassis too. Other major phones have built in support for Qi charging. Others might support Qi charging on a regional basis, such as the United States version of the LG C6 and there are others small manufacturers such as the Yotaphone 2.
Picture is courtesy of photon.l
