Wireless Charging with Qi

You might be wondering what Qi charging is as more and more phones and other electronic devices are implementing this technology. Firstly, let’s understand the basic that this word is pronounced as “Chee”, which is based on the Chinese meaning that is frequently translated as “natural energy”. Qi is being used in some modern devices such as mobile phones to enable wireless charging. Sounds impressive and very futuristic but actually it is a simple process for inductive power standard.

The Qi system contains a power transmission pad and a compatible receiver in a portable device, to use this system; the mobile device is placed on top of the power transmission pad, which charges it via resonant inductive coupling. The reason for Qi charging was to create a neutral way of charging that all global companies can take part in. Many of the well known companies have gotten involved such as Asus, HTC, Huawei, LG Electronics, Motorola Mobility, Nokia, Samsung, BlackBerry, and Sony.

Qi standard devices rely on electromagnetic induction between planar coils so the charging station/pads offer inductive power while your Qi compatible phone will consume the inductive power. The charging pad contains a power transmitter that encompasses a transmitting coil whereas the mobile device has a power receiver holding a receiving coil. For the inductive power transfer to be efficient the space between the mobile and charging pad must be reduced, so usually resting your mobile phone on the Qi transmitting charging pad will enable a connection. Usually within the proximately of 6mm will guarantee a strong connection for the transfer to happen so that your mobile phone can charge wirelessly.

A mobile phone being recharged by the Qi charging pad

You might think that this type of technology has no real benefits but you would be wrong. It is very convenient as it simply requires the appliance needing charging to be placed onto the charging area. Another advantage is that it reduces the wear of plugs and sockets as there is no physical connection, therefore there are no issues with connector wear. Also physically the system is more robust than one using connectors. As there are no connectors, the system is considerably more resilient to contamination that makes it beneficial for applications where devices operate in highly contaminated environments. Finally it is perfect for medical environments as using wireless charging no connectors are required that may contain bacteria.

Qi Can be implemented into many designs such as the LED clock above

In the future we can imagine a cable free Qi docking station for all Qi compatible phones so you can forget all those different chargers and the tangle that occurs with cables and instead you can have a shared charger base at home, in the office or on the go. This could then spread to lounges, waiting rooms, airports, train stations, bars and restaurants with Qi enabled charging stations seamlessly integrated into the furniture giving you the ability to charge your devices at any time, whatever the make, model or manufacturer.

Chinavasion has a rapidly expanding range of Qi compatible and Qi transmitting products.