Samsung investing in wireless power

Wireless technology providers Samsung and Qualcomm Incorporated have joined other technology providers to form the Alliance for Wireless Power (A4WP).

The independently operated organization’s mission is to promote global standardization of a wireless power transfer technology that offers spatial freedom, to develop product testing, certification and regulatory compliance processes, and to foster industry dialogue with regulators on wireless power policy development.

The alliance is targeting a broad base of consumer electronic devices to establish a worldwide wireless power technology ecosystem. The A4WP will focus on a new wireless power transfer technology that provides spatial freedom for charging of electrical devices in cars, on tabletops and for multiple devices simultaneously.

Jason dePreaux, a research manager at IMS Research comments, “Wireless power has the potential to increase convenience and improve the user experience in consumer devices like mobile phones by untethering the charging process.

For these benefits to be realized, wireless power infrastructure must be deployed to enable wireless charge points in the home, at work, or while traveling without concern for compatibility. Industry alliances will play a critical role in developing this infrastructure.”

Benefits of this wireless power approach include: a transmitter and receiver antenna design that is easily implemented, a simple wireless power control system, and the ability to transfer power through non-metallic surfaces. The A4WP expects to achieve this capability without the need for costly multi-coil repeaters, which are required for other systems. A single specification is envisioned that will address simultaneous charging of multiple devices ranging from very low power products, such as Bluetooth headsets, to today’s most sophisticated tablets.

“A4WP will accelerate the commercialization of this technology and will contribute to expanding its market. As a founding member of A4WP, Samsung is committed to supporting standardization of wireless charging technology boasting spatial freedom, contributing to the eco-system, and exploring possibilities of a variety of services,” said Executive Vice President KiHo Kim, head of Digital Media & Communications R&D Center, Samsung Electronics.

Staff writer