The Wireless Power Consortium has finalised the first part of its specification for a standardised wireless charging system.
This first part of the Qi interoperability specification defines the interface between wireless charging stations and power receivers, with the ultimate aim of ensuring that all wireless chargers and chargeable devices are interoperable.
“Unlike proprietary non-standard wireless power charging products, the universal standard Qi provides certainty and confidence to consumers that their Qi-enabled electronic devices will be compatible with any Qi-branded charging device, regardless of manufacturer,” Camille Tang, president of ConvenientPower and chair of the Wireless Power Consortium’s Promotion Work Group. “For manufacturers, Qi offers a versatile range of receivers and transmitters, providing flexibility in design options as they plan their product roadmaps.”
Wireless chargers use magnetic induction to devices, though because the charger mat and the charging battery have to be close together, they are currently only suited to small devices such as phones, though that they may change with work being done by Marin Soljačić at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology.
Apple is one of two leading phone manufacturers, the other being Motorola, that isn’t a member of the Wireless Power Consortium.
