Wireless Charging: What You Need To Know
Although it has only been the last few years that we have seen wireless charging rapidly grow in demand, it has been around for quite a while.
For about a decade, the mobile industry has been moving toward wireless charging, however it was when Apple embraced wireless charging that we saw an expanding selection of chargers. This charging method was made available on the iPhone years after it was first introduced.
Wireless Charging can be somewhat confusing at first glance. To resolve any confusion, here is what you need to know about wireless charging.
How Wireless Charging Works
The transfer of power from an outlet to an electronic device without using a connecting cable is known as wireless charging. A power transmitting pad and a receiver are the key devices. It can also be built into the phone itself or in a case attached to a mobile device. The pad will have a cable extending from the outlet into it.
Electromagnetic fields are critical to wireless (inductive) charging. These fields are used to transfer current from one device, such as a charging mat, to another like a phone or laptop, through electromagnetic induction. Basically, there are two physical coils and they form a transformer. One coil converts energy into an electromagnetic field that can be carried wirelessly and the other coil converts that field back into energy. When the receiving magnetic plate on the mobile device comes into contact with the transmitter, or its specified range, the magnetic field generates an electrical current within the device. This current is then converted into direct current, which then charges the built-in battery.
There is another wireless charging method called the magnetic resonance method. This method allows for multiple devices to charge simultaneously on the same charger, as well as increase charging distances and it can work through thicker materials. Also, there are now more phones that also support reverse wireless charging. This method enables a person to charge other devices from the phone.
Qi Wireless Charging
Qi is a standard that has been developed by the Wireless Power Consortium (WPC) for inductive charging over distances of up to 40mm. Qi is a global standard like Bluetooth, NFC, USB and WIFI. The idea behind Qi is - all devices with the Qi logo will be compatible with all Qi chargers. There is no need for separate chargers or cables and you do not require adapters when traveling. Qi has three separate power specifications which include low power - mainly for charging mobile devices. There are currently several wattages that can be applied to this. 5W is a minimum, while some handsets support 7.5W, 10W and even up to 15W. There is also medium power spec which can deliver up to 120W to be used for laptops and monitors. Finally, there is a high spec that can deliver up to 1kW.
More manufacturers have been adopting the Qi wireless charging standard and the technology is now inside just about every flagship phone. Products using the Qi standard must be rigorously tested to help ensure safety, energy efficiency, and interoperability. Only products that have passed these independent laboratory tests can use the Qi logo and are considered “Qi-certified”. Many of the major smartphone manufacturers have Qi wireless charging, including: LG,Nokia (HMD), HTC, Samsung, Sony, Apple, Huawei, and Motorola. In the 1.2 Qi standard, resonant charging was also added to the specification. This made Qi the only standard with specifications for both inductive and resonant charging, This helped phone manufacturers with backward compatibility.
What You Need For Wireless Charging
It’s fairly simple to determine what you need to support wireless charging. You just have to check the standard supported by your phone, obtain an accessory to match, and you are ready. It’s not essential to buy official accessories, including charging devices from the company that manufactures your phone. Qi-enabled chargers will work with Qi-enabled devices. Make sure that you check the maximum power ratings because your phone and charger should match.
You can charge any Apple iPhone that was made in 2017 or later, as well as the Apple Watch Series 3 and AirPods (must be in Apple’s official charging case). Samsung has supported wireless charging since the Galaxy S6. As with Huawei, both Apple and Samsung have support in all their latest handsets. If your phone does not support wireless charging out-of-the-box, you can often get an adapter or case which manages the necessary power transfer processes and transfers the power into a handset. AirFuel wireless charging is available in the LG G6.
The Zendure Q4 Luxury Wireless Charger Bundle is a good example of an efficient Qi wireless charger. This Wireless Charging Bundle is compatible with all Qi-enabled smartphones, including: Apple iPhone XS, XS Max, XR, X, 8, 8 Plus / Samsung Galaxy S9, S9+, S8, S8+, Note9, Note8. It is also case-friendly as it charges through lightweight plastic cases up to 6mm.
As well, there is a QC 3.0 AC adapter included. Given that wireless technology is seen as true mobility and a sustainable alternative energy use, we will likely see more developments with this charging tech in the near future.
Wireless charging provides a safer way to transfer power to your device and it puts less strain on the charging port of your phone. Qi is quickly becoming the most popular wireless charging standard. Most devices either support multiple standards or at least Qi. In the near future,wireless charging is likely to become a standard part of smartphones and Apple’s adoption of Qi is most likely going to make it the primary standard. In addition, Qi wireless charging pads are convenient as they are being installed in a wide variety of places across the globe for easy access.