HONG KONG, December 18 /PRNewswire/ --
- Convergence of wireless power technologies inspires global alliance promoting universal solution and electronic convenience worldwide
A new global initiative to drive convenience in electronics charging was launched at the first Wireless Power Consortium conference at Hong Kong Science Park today.
The Consortium's eight members include ConvenientPower Limited, Fulton Innovation LLC, Logitech SA, National Semiconductor Corporation, Royal Philips Electronics N.V., Sanyo Electric Co. Ltd., Shenzhen Sang Fei Consumer Communications Co. Ltd. and Texas Instruments Incorporated.
A LARGE, GROWING PROBLEM
Wire-free and wireless technologies for transfer of electric power exist today, for example in electric toothbrushes. However, the current charging technology prevents different brands of power sources from charging the same portable device or different portable devices from being charged by a common power source.
With many users owning more than one mobile phone, Internet-enabled device, portable music and video players, the resulting tangle of wires and bulky chargers is ugly, frustrating and inconvenient to use. This problem is already huge and still growing. In 2008, 1.3 billion mobile phones* alone in worldwide sales have been estimated by ABI Research. The addition of Bluetooth, portable music and video players, digital cameras, game devices and laptops bring the total portable electronics rechargeable devices to significantly higher numbers. The need for charging connectors also lowers charging reliability due to the potential for corrosion and breakage.
With a universal wireless power charging standard, electronic products and charging stations using the same standard will recognize each other and charge. Different brands and different devices can then re-charge using the same battery and charging station.
WIRELESS POWER AS THE SOLUTION
The Consortium focuses on a wireless power technology that transmits power only to a product which is in close proximity of the charging station. In this way, the transmitter can focus the energy on the receiver safely and with high efficiency.
Power transfer is based on the principle of magnetic induction, a technique well over a 100 years old. Magnetic induction, or transformer technology, is used in all kinds of electronic equipment because it is simple, efficient, and safe.
The technique makes rapid battery charging possible and will not interfere with data or devices nearby. In addition, it is reliable in demanding environments where there may be water, sand and dirt.
THE CONSORTIUM
The Consortium will first establish a standard for low power electronic devices using 5 watts and below, such as mobile phones, music and video players, computer and game accessories. A standard is then planned for higher power portable electronics and electrical equipment.
The Wireless Power Consortium also announced a collaboration website to disseminate Consortium information, attract new members and aid communication between members. More information can be found at www.wirelesspowerconsortium.com.
Quote 1
This is a crucial moment in the development of wireless power. This consortium enables every company interested in developing wireless power to contribute to the convergence of the technology into a single standard that consumers can rely on for compatibility between products of different vendors.
- Menno Treffers, Senior Director Standardization at Philips Electronics and chairman of the Wireless Power Consortium
Quote 2
Seamless, safe charging available everywhere for mobile electronics can only be achieved through a wireless power charging standard. The Consortium's mission is to create and spur adoption of this international standard for compatibility in electronics charging.
- Camille Tang, Co-Founder, ConvenientPower Limited
Quote 3
Wireless power charging takes away the need for wires and connectors. It is simple. You simply drop your mobile phone, game device, electric shaver on the charging station and the battery is re-charged.
- Satoru Nishimura, Senior Manager, Sanyo Electric Co. Ltd.
Quote 4
The universal wireless power charging standard has the potential to eliminate the last wire to billions of battery operated devices, thereby increasing consumer convenience and saving our planet's resources. As a member of the Wireless Power Consortium, National Semiconductor supports efforts for a wire-free mobile environment and looks forward to contributing to a successful standard.
- Jon Kiachian, Director Portable Mobile Devices Segment, National Semiconductor
Quote 5
We see clear consumer benefits to a wireless charging system. We will be able to offer more performance and reliability by eliminating the common failure caused when oxidation or wear on the contacts renders a traditional charging system ineffective. And, people can reduce both clutter and wasted energy by using a single power supply for multiple devices.
- Aldo Bussien, Vice President, Technology Management, Logitech
Quote 6
The Wireless Power Consortium is inviting a spirit of open innovation among electronics and technology companies around the world. It brings exciting opportunities for participating organizations to create new, long-term solutions for the way people interact with power.
- Bret Lewis, Director, Fulton Innovation
Quote 7
To establish a robust standard, we embrace diverse expertise and collaboration. The Wireless Power Consortium seeks as many electronics groups and companies as possible to join as members to set a new international standard.
- Wolf Oelschlegel, General Manager Product Strategy, Shenzhen Sang Fei Consumer Communications Co., Ltd.
Quote 8
Texas Instruments is excited to be part of this global initiative. We believe a common standard for wireless power and charging will not only drive market adaptation, but it will also bring tangible benefits to the consumers at all levels.
- Masoud Beheshti, Director of Battery Charge Management, Texas Instruments Incorporated.
*ABI Research, 31 July 2008, Business Wire
Wireless Power Consortium, wpc@text100.com
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