Wireless power transmission makes electronic devices truly mobile

Paul Boughton

Recent advancements in wireless power transmission technology and research efforts to improve its performance and reliability have popularized wireless chargers among users of smartphones and other mobile electronics. By charging devices without wires and cords, the technology can address the critical needs of the high-volume electronics industry and enable features not possible before.

New analysis from Frost & Sullivan, Opportunities for Wireless Power Transmission: Consumer Electronics, finds that a number of technologies are evaluated for wireless charging. Those with magnetic resonance, inductive coupling, radio-frequency, and optical-based transmission have the highest potential for use. Each of these technologies offers certain benefits and advantages, making them suited for different types of applications.[Page Break]

The need for greater mobility and user convenience are strong motivators for refining the wireless power transmission technology. The technology can widen its application scope with robust research and development (R&D) efforts and collaborations in inductive coupling.

"Companies have already started offering wireless charging systems with consumer electronics," said Technical Insights Research Analyst Jacek Debowski. "However, it can become a standard feature in smartphones or laptops only when it offers higher efficiency and power, electromagnetic interference compliance and flexibility in the positioning of the charged device."[Page Break]

Developers need to work closely with original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) to make wireless charging cost-effective, easy to integrate and standards based. Apart from increasing the number of wireless charging products, companies must ensure that the charging process is fast and convenient. Organizations are actively conducting R&D to provide more functionality for consumer gadgets at competitive price and form factors.

"The industry's goal is to raise awareness among customers about the benefits of wireless power and provide OEMs with a solution to implement such capabilities in their products in both a cost- and time-efficient way," said Debowski.

For more information, visit http://www.technicalinsights.frost.com