STMicroelectronics STWBC-EP wireless-charging chip

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STMicroelectronics has introduced a chip to support the latest industry standard for fast, wireless charging.

Users on the move, who put their mobiles down to charge for a few minutes, 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 5 to 15 W, this enables devices to be charged up to three times more quickly.

ST’s STWBC-EP wireless-charging controller supports Qi Extended Power, providing a level of integration that simplifies charger design while providing the flexibility to work with supply voltages ranging from 5 through to 12 V USB power. The energy-efficient device consumes just 16 mW in standby and is able to wirelessly transfer more than 80% of the total input power.

The product includes a feature that enhances active presence detection to wake the system quickly when a compatible object is presented for charging. The 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 innovations enhance power control and energy transfer to maximise efficiency and ease of use.

For more information: www.st.com/wbc.