Maximum Charging Power Increased to 15W for Three Times Faster Device Charging

STMicroelectronics (ST) is accelerating wireless charging for mobile devices by launching the STWBC-EP, one of the world's first chips to support the latest high-speed charging industry standard.

As smartphone and tablet usage has increased significantly, battery charging is required multiple times a day. With the adoption of wireless charging, there is no longer a need to carry chargers or bulky auxiliary batteries, and charging as fast as wired charging has become possible. Major mobile manufacturers are joining industry alliances, launching compatible products, and focusing on wireless charging systems.

For people who travel frequently and need to charge their phones in just a few minutes, they require products that can be used immediately when needed. To realize this, the WPC (Wireless Power Consortium), which manages the Qi specification, a widely adopted industry standard, has introduced an Extended Power profile for high-speed charging. This new profile increases the maximum charging power from 5W to 15W, enabling devices to be charged up to three times faster.

The STWBC-EP, one of the industry's first wireless charging controllers supporting Qi Extended Power, consumes only 16mW of power in standby mode and offers superior energy efficiency capable of transmitting over 80% of input power wirelessly, while also featuring proprietary functions developed by ST to enhance user experience.

When charging compatible devices, a patented solution is included that enables rapid system activation through active presence detection. The performance of FOD (Foreign Object Detection), a patented technology that cuts power and prevents overheating when metal-containing objects come too close to the charger, has also been improved. As another proprietary innovation, the STWBC-EP has improved power control and energy transfer technology to maximize efficiency and ease of use.

Domenico Arrigo, General Manager of ST's Industrial and Power Conversion Division, stated, "ST's advanced wireless charging chips enable manufacturers to develop new high-power products that deliver exceptional performance and efficiency," and added, "Qi Extended Power significantly reduces charging time, and ST's patented sensing and safety innovations greatly improve safety and ease of use."

ST has also prepared ready-to-use Qi 15W transmitter board reference designs and documentation to help product developers accelerate time-to-market. Additionally, with a 15W receiver chip (STWLC33) applicable to fast-charging devices, it can assist developers in completing their applications.