Wireless Power Consortium Fuels Evolution of Qi Ecosystem with Option to Charge at Distance

PISCATAWAY, N.J., July 31, 2014 /PRNewswire/ -- The Wireless Power Consortium (WPC), the driving force and leader in the global adoption of wireless power technology, today announced significant advances to the resonant extension of the Qi specification to offer even more options to the wireless charging industry.

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.

"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."

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
• Wireless power up to 2000 watts for kitchen applications

"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."

Qi is an open, flexible standard that is continually evolving to offer the best user experience while maintaining compatibility, and ensures seamless interoperability, regardless of manufacturer, brand or charging technique. Qi is the only standard that is already integrated into a variety of consumer products and places – from mobile devices to accessories, furniture, automobiles and airports.

For more information, visit: www.wirelesspowerconsortium.com.

About Qi and the Wireless Power Consortium

In December 2008, a group of leading consumer electronics companies created the Wireless Power Consortium to establish Qi as the interoperable global standard for wireless power. The more than 200 members of the WPC include: ConvenientPower, Energizer, Formica, Foxconn, Haier, HTC, IKEA, LG, Microsoft, Motorola, Nokia, Panasonic, PowerByProxi, Qualcomm, Royal Philips, Samsung, Samsung Electro-Mechanics, Sony, Texas Instruments, Toshiba, Verizon Wireless, ZTE and infrastructure groups, such as wireless operators, furniture and automotive parts manufacturers. Innovative companies have brought more than 500 Qi products to market and there are over 50 million Qi devices in use; making Qi the leading wireless charging standard worldwide. Qi products are available in North America, South America, Asia Pacific, Europe, India, Africa and Australia.

SOURCE Wireless Power Consortium