Wireless power technology has been gaining steady momentum in the last few years.  Electric toothbrushes embodied the first generation technology where the primary value was safety.  However, generation one technology required the use of large components such as core material that made it unusable in the context of modern consumer devices.  In response to this shortcoming, a range of companies including eCoupled and Powermat created generation two systems that used higher frequencies, and thus enabled proportionally smaller form factors.  Indeed, in 2009, several products were introduced that took advantage of generation two technology.  However, limitations such as precise alignment have dampened the enthusiasm for these products.

At CES 2010, WiPower, the technology leader in the wireless power market, is announcing the first products based on a generation three wireless power technology.  In this generation, the limitations of precise alignment have been removed.  WiPower’s patent-pending technology enables complete freedom in the x-y plane as well as significant physical separation between the transmitter and receiver modules in the z-direction (2-3 inches).  In addition, the robustness of the underlying technology enables this functionality without the need for transmitter-receiver communication links.  The consequences of this technology shift are:

1. No magnetic or mechanical alignment systems are required.
2. A single transmitter seamlessly supports multiple devices.
3. Furniture-integrated modules can be designed such that modifications to the supporting furniture are not required.
4. Without communication links, cost is reduced, the design cycle is dramatically compressed, and regulatory compliance is simplified.

At CES, WiPower will demonstrate this technology leadership in the form of a demonstration unit that powers 15 to 20 independent receivers in continuous, random motion atop a 12 square foot surface. 

In terms of products, WiPower is announcing the immediate availability of the WiPower Receiver Design Kit ($4500).  Specifically, the design kit contains: 

1. 15W transmitter with white label options and two physical receivers enabled for prototyping.
2. EDA/MCAD files for the receiver, and highly simplified design-in process with qualified reference designs for the receiver.
3. Royalty free license for receivers as well as a qualified partner network that provides design and manufacturing services.

The kit’s materials lower technical and business related barriers to adoption and thus radically reduce design time and product development cost.  Partners interested in incorporating this highly differentiating product feature can complete a prototype in as little as a day, and be in volume production in 2-3 months.  At CES, WiPower will showcase demonstrations from partners building devices such as skins, electronic picture frames, and embedded furniture transmitters.  Many of these partners will be offering products to customers in 2010. 

The WiPower Booth is located at booth number 15409 in the Central Hall of the Las Vegas Convention Center (near Sony) and will be open throughout the CES show (Jan 7-10).  WiPower will also be offering a Design Kit Tutorial on Saturday, January 9 at 2 p.m. in the Las Vegas Hilton Hotel, conference room 1.  To register for the tutorial, please sign up on the home page of the WiPower website (www.wipower.com).  To schedule meetings with WiPower, please contact Danielle McCallum (dmccallum@wipower.com or 1-321-228-5351).