In today’s fast-paced Internet world, “wireless charging” has become ubiquitous. It has shaped the way we communicate, connect, and access information.
We look at the changes from the invention of radio waves to the rise of high-tech wireless networks. They changed how we use our devices and connect with the world.
But what exactly does “wireless charging” mean? This article goes deep into the fascinating area of wireless technology. It explains what it is all about and what it can do.
Join us on this enlightening trip. We figure out how wireless charging works and what a big deal it is for modern society.
Table of Contents
Amazing! It has wireless charging!
What is it, and is it what we think it is?
Yes, as its name suggests.
Wireless charging can get power from an electricity outlet to your device without a cord.
It comprises a power transfer plate, stand, and receiver built into the phone. When we say “wireless,” we don’t mean that the charging pad or cradle doesn’t still need to be plugged into a power port.
Technology has yet quite to reach the wireless level.
You can see its creation as a big technical step forward for people, but it took a lot of work.
JG Bolger, FA Kirsten, and S. Ng made the first application of inductive charging in the United States in 1978. They created an electric car with a 20 kW, 180 Hz system. In the 1980s, California made a bus that ran on magnetic charging, and France and Germany did similar work.
People used resonant connections for the first time at MIT in 2006. They can transmit large amounts of power within a few meters without radiation. It became more useful for business and was a big step forward for magnetic charging.
People founded Alliance for Wireless Power (A4WP) and Power Matter Alliance (PMA) in 2008.
The Wireless Power Consortium (WPC) created the Qi standard in 2010.
Japan established the Energy Harvesting Consortium (EHC) in 2010.
South Korea established the Korea Wireless Charging Forum (KWPF) in 2011. The purpose of these organizations is to develop standards for inductive charging.
In 2018, North Korea, Russia, and Germany used the Qi wireless standard in their military gear.
Isn’t it amazing when you hear the word?
Me too!
How does it work?
It’s quite simple!
Inductive charging is the basis for wireless charging. It uses an electromagnetic field created when an electric current flows through two coils.
Then people use it to make energy.
It creates an electric current when a magnetic field is present between a mobile device’s emitter and receiver magnetic plates.
This current is turned into direct current (DC), which fills the battery already in the device.
What does Qi mean? I’m sure some of you have heard the term but don’t know much about it.
Let me tell you now.
The main wireless standard is Qi (pronounced “chee”). People made it by the Wireless Power Consortium (WPC) for up to 40 mm of inductive charge range.
People use Qi wireless charging by Samsung, Apple, Sony, Honor, Oppo, OnePlus, Huawei, Nokia (HMD), Motorola, and Xiaomi.
It is now also found in a lot of cars.
Qi has three different power standards. It starts with low power, which we’re discussing for charging mobile devices.
There are several wattages available for this application. The lowest wattage is 5W, while some phones support 7.5W, 10W, up to 15W, and 30W in higher standard versions.
But different companies have improved their wireless charging technology to make it faster. Oppo and OnePlus, for example, have wireless charging powers of up to 50W. But Honor’s Magic 4 Pro has wireless charging powers of up to 100W.
These speeds usually require special charging cradles that third-party makers don’t make.
Wireless charging has yet to become popular worldwide. Some people are unfamiliar with it and concerned about its safety.
Let’s explore its pros and cons now so you have a reference.
Inductive charging applications fall into two broad categories: low power and high power:
Low-power uses usually work with small consumer electronics. They like cell phones, handheld devices, computers, and other gadgets. They usually charge less than 100 watts.
Typically, people use an AC mains frequency of 50 or 60 Hz.
High-power inductive charging generally refers to charging batteries with a power level of 1 kilowatt or above.
Most of the time, people use it to help charge electric cars. Unlike plug-in charging, inductive charging is automatic and doesn’t require a cord.
The power levels of these devices range from approximately 1 kW to 300 kW or more. All high-power inductive charging systems use resonant primary and secondary coils. These systems operate in the longwave frequency range of up to 130 kHz. Shortwave frequencies make the device more efficient and smaller. But they still send signals worldwide.
High-level authority raises concerns about electromagnetic compatibility and radio frequency interference.
As we come to the end of our look at wireless technology, it’s clear that it has a huge and growing range.
The ease of wireless charging is the power of the Internet. Smart devices change how we live, work, and talk to each other. And this technology has changed how we live, work, and connect.
Wireless networks are faster and more powerful. They could change whole industries and open up new possibilities.
The only limits on communication are those imposed by our minds.
Leo Reid is a seasoned Tech Products Reviewer and talented Copywriter. With a passion for all things tech, he navigates the digital landscape to uncover the best gadgets and innovations. His insightful reviews help readers make informed decisions, while his engaging copy captivates audiences and boosts product appeal. Leo's expertise and love for technology shine through in his work, making him a trusted source for tech enthusiasts and consumers alike.