STMicroelectronics has partnered with WiTricity to develop a resonant radio energy transmission chip

     STMicroelectronics and WiTricity, a pioneer in ultra-long range radio energy transmission technology, announced a collaboration to develop an electromagnetic resonant radio energy transmission semiconductor solution. The goal is to "cut the last strand" and make it easier to connect and charge batteries for iot devices, as well as medical devices, industrial equipment and automotive systems.

     The project between WiTricity and ST combines WiTricity's underlying intellectual property, radio power transmission mixed-signal IC design capabilities and ST's industry-leading power semiconductor design, manufacturing and packaging capabilities and resources to enable space-saving power transceiver systems. Supports fast wireless charging of consumer electronics and Internet of Things devices, and supports simultaneous charging of multiple devices. The electromagnetic resonance radio energy transfer chip is called "wireless charging 2.0", and unlike existing wireless charging technology, this chip can efficiently charge smartphones, tablets and smartwatches with metal shells.

     R&d products under consideration include AirFuel™ electromagnetic resonant radio energy transfer chip designs and resonant and induction dual-mode wireless charging dual-mode solutions. AirFuel Alliance, an international wireless charging industry alliance dedicated to bringing the best wireless charging experience to consumer electronics users, is promoting an interactive Radio Energy Transfer transmitter (PTU) and Power receiver (PRU) ecosystem, with the ultimate goal of empowering users whether at home, in the office or in public Spaces. Even in the car can be charged anytime, anywhere.

     Outside the consumer electronics market, WiTricity is the world's largest manufacturer of radio energy transmission technology in the automotive, industrial and medical devices markets. St and WiTricity demonstrated high-power wireless charging transmission technology for electric vehicles at the APEC 2016 show in Long Island, California. In the automotive industry, WiTricity recently released a wireless "park charge" development kit based on its industry-leading 11kW electric hybrid vehicle charging solution. The solution has been successfully tested by the Society of Automotive Engineers (SAE) and written into the new international standard.

     Matteo Lo Presti, Vice President and General manager of ST's Emulator and MEMS Products division, said: "By integrating WiTricity's advanced radio energy transmission and electromagnetic resonance charging technology with ST's resources and key IP designs, including Smart power technology and RF Bluetooth Low Energy technology, we were able to develop a total solution for energy-efficient wireless charging that improves the convenience and ease of charging while satisfying consumers." Beyond their expectations. The breakthrough technology developed by ST and WiTricity will allow designers around the world to eliminate annoying wires and charging cables in new product designs, giving us the opportunity to bring a broader range of semiconductor products to these emerging markets."

     Alex Gruzen, CEO of WiTricity, said: "ST is a leading global provider of semiconductor solutions for power electronics and is the partner of choice for mass production of fast and efficient charging chipsets using WiTricity's semiconductor design and electromagnetic resonant charging technology. This partnership allows us to leverage ST's extensive semiconductor design and manufacturing experience and relationships with established players in the consumer electronics, automotive and industrial markets to accelerate the rollout of resonant wireless charging technology."