Advanced Wireless-Charging Chip from STMicroelectronics Enables Faster Charging of Smartphones and Tablets
10 November 2017 - 1:02AM
- New charging controller supports the latest industry standard
(Qi Extended Power) for faster charging of smartphones and
tablets
- Patented detection and safety features, with best-in-class
standby power, ensure superior user experience and efficiency
Geneva, November 9, 2017 - STMicroelectronics (NYSE:
STM), a global semiconductor leader serving customers across
the spectrum of electronics applications, is powering up wireless
charging for mobile devices by introducing one of the world's first
chips to support the latest industry standard for faster
charging.
Nowadays, people are using their smartphones and tablets so
intensively that many need to top up battery power several times a
day. With wireless charging, users don't need to carry the charger
or a bulky power bank, and can charge their electronic devices as
fast as with a cable. Major mobile manufacturers are committing to
wireless charging by joining the industry alliances and launching
compatible products.
Users on the move, who put their mobiles down to charge for a
few minutes - say, during a break or in a meeting -- need the
device to be ready to go again when they are. To enable this, the
Wireless Power Consortium (WPC) that manages the Qi specification
-- a widely adopted industry standard -- has introduced the
Extended Power profile for faster charging. By raising the maximum
charging power from 5W to 15W, this new profile enables devices to
be charged up to three times more quickly.
One of the market's first wireless-charging controllers to
support Qi Extended Power, ST's STWBC-EP combines best-in-class
energy efficiency, consuming just 16mW in standby and able to
wirelessly transfer more than 80% of the total input power, with
unique features created by ST to enhance the user experience. These
include a patented solution enhancing active presence detection to
wake the system quickly when a compatible object is presented for
charging. The patented technology also enhances the performance of
Foreign Object Detection (FOD), to cut power and prevent
overheating if objects containing metals are brought too close to
the charger. Other unique innovations enhance power control and
energy transfer to maximize efficiency and ease of use.
"ST's Advanced Wireless-Charging chip enables manufacturers to
create new, high-power products that offer superior features and
efficiency," said Domenico Arrigo, General Manager, Industrial and
Power Conversion Division, STMicroelectronics. "The Qi Extended
Power support dramatically shortens charging time and our patented
detection and safety innovations greatly improve safety and ease of
use."
The STWBC-EP provides the level of integration allowing to
simplify charger design while providing the flexibility to work
with supply voltages ranging from 5V USB power up to 12V.
To help accelerate time to market for product developers, ST has
created an associated reference design with a Qi 15W ready-built
transmitter board and documentation to get started. ST also has a
15W receiver chip (STWLC33) for use in high-speed chargeable
devices, which developers can use to complete their
applications.
ST's new wireless-charging chip will be showcased at the Qi
Wireless Power Developers Conference and Tradeshow held in San
Francisco on November 16-17.
The STWBC-EP is available now, as a 32-lead QFN (5mm x 5mm)
device, priced from $3.175 for 1000 pieces.
For further information refer to www.st.com/wbc
Technical Notes for Editors:
The STWBC-EP contains a step-up (boost) DC/DC converter and a
controller, with the Qi charging algorithms already implemented in
firmware to save any need to integrate software and an additional
microcontroller in their designs. Together, the converter and
controller generate the input power and the control signals for an
external half-bridge power stage that drives the charging
transmitter antenna. This architecture gives designers flexibility
to optimize the external half bridge and its associated gate
drivers for use with any supply voltage from 5V to 12V, and to
ensure compatibility with USB quick chargers.
The evaluation kit, STEVAL-ISB044V1, includes a 15W Qi MP-A10
reference design, 12V 2A AC/DC adapter, a USB/UART dongle for
connection to the PC and USB cable, as well as pre-loaded firmware.
In addition to the supporting documentation, a graphical PC-based
configuration tool is also provided to help customize settings.
About STMicroelectronics
ST is a global semiconductor leader delivering intelligent and
energy-efficient products and solutions that power the electronics
at the heart of everyday life. ST's products are found everywhere
today, and together with our customers, we are enabling smarter
driving and smarter factories, cities and homes, along with the
next generation of mobile and Internet of Things devices.
By getting more from technology to get more from life, ST stands
for life.augmented.
In 2016, the Company's net revenues were $6.97 billion, serving
more than 100,000 customers worldwide. Further information can be
found at www.st.com
For Press Information Contact:
STMicroelectronics Michael Markowitz Director of Technical Media
Relations +1 781 591 0354 michael.markowitz@st.com
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