Close-Range Magnetic Induction Technology Powers Smartphones, Cells, Cameras, and More

The Wireless Power Consortium, motivated by its goal to achieve superior safety performance and energy efficiency, today announced its selection of close-range magnetic induction technology for its international standard for low power portable electronic devices.

 

With an international standard, interoperability across portable electronic devices charging gives users the ability to travel and conveniently charge their devices at the same time.

 

"There's something futuristic about wireless power that has grabbed people's attention at the Consumer Electronics Show this week, and 2009 could be a big year for the technology judging from what's on show here ... One issue for all the vendors will be agreeing to a standard that lets their products interoperate,” said James Niccolai, IDG News Service.

 

Unlike other wireless power technologies, close-range magnetic induction technology transmits power within a near field between the devices that need to be charged and the power source. Highly efficient, this range can be less than one centimeter and enables the transmitter to safely focus energy on the receiver.

 

However, ABC News recently reported that wireless magnetic induction communications’ greatest limitation is that it works only when the chips are within 10 feet.

 

The technology is aimed to first be used by 4-5 watt portable electronic rechargeable devices, such as Palm’s recently introduced smartphone with a slide-out keyboard, the Pre. It will also power mobile phones, portable music and video players, batteries and battery charging packs, computer and game peripherals, remote controls, Bluetooth headsets, digital still cameras, camcorders and shavers.

 

There are many advantages of close-range magnetic induction technology. Since it is based on the concept of magnetic induction, a technology that has been used in various applications for over 100 years, it is simple, efficient and safe to use.

 

It also makes battery charging quick and painless, powering up devices in the same time as current wired chargers. It is safe and will not disrupt data or devices nearby.

 

Moreover, close-range magnetic induction does not need contact between the device to be charged and the power source. This greatly reduces energy consumption and the instance of wasted energy that often occurs when something is left plugged in after it has charged.

 

Interestingly, it even works where there may be water and dirt.

 

The Wireless Power Consortium recently added its ninth member, Olympus Imaging Corporation.

 

"To eliminate the last wire from products is one of our most important mission. We believe that this activity brings considerable benefits to consumers and contributes to conserve global resources," stated Yoshiro Yoda, general manager, Olympus Imaging Corporation.

 

The other eight members of The Consortium include ConvenientPower Limited, Fulton Innovation LLC, Logitech International SA (News - Alert), National Semiconductor Corporation, Philips Electronics N.V., Sanyo Co. Ltd., Shenzhen Sang Fei Consumer Communications Company Limited and Texas Instruments Incorporated.

 

The Wireless Power Consortium was established last December in an effort to create and promote wide market adoption of an international standard for interoperability across rechargeable electronics devices.