In Qi2 Wireless Charging Explained, we’ll dive into the key features and benefits of Qi2, explore its compatibility with various devices and discuss its growing popularity in the market.
A Major Update to the Qi Standard
A Major Update to the Qi Standard
Qi (pronounced Chee) is the leading global wireless power standard; It has been adopted by over 700 companies in various industries, including smartphone manufacturers, automobile and consumer electronics companies. In January 2023, the governing body of Qi, the Wireless Power Consortium (WPC), announced a significant update to improve the speed, efficiency and understanding of wireless charging technology.
New to Qi? Start by learning about Qi wireless charging applications and benefits first.
Qi Compatible vs. Qi Certified
Qi Compatible vs. Qi Certified
The primary benefit of Qi charging is safety and interoperability amongst a global ecosystem of devices. In order to provide this, product developers must achieve Qi certification, which means that devices are tested on over 200 transmitters to ensure that they work properly. While crucial, certification can be time consuming and costly which led to the rise of “Qi compatible” devices. Product developers historically used the description of “Qi compatible” to borrow the brand value that Qi provided, but without actually achieving certification. Qi Certified products that have logo on the device are the only product that can guarantee safety and interoperability with all Qi devices; “Qi compatible” devices are likely to be non-interoperable, unsafe and have the potential to damage the devices they’re mated with.
Qi2 will eliminate confusion around Qi certification and compatibility, leading to market share and profitability losses for companies that fail to adopt the standard. By setting clear guidelines and standards, Qi2 seeks to differentiate between Qi certified products and those that work with Qi but lack certification, ultimately driving greater customer satisfaction and trust in the technology.
Monitoring and Enforcement
Monitoring and Enforcement
Generally, Qi2 will be a much stricter standard than Qi1 and have a rigorous manufacturer certification program to dissuade contract manufacturers from certifying a device with one design specification, but then modifying the product afterward for cost down efforts.
Two Options for Qi2
Two Options for Qi2
Qi2 provides product developers with an opportunity to choose between a Magnetic Power Profile (MPP), which utilizes magnets to ensure perfect alignment, or Basic Power Profile (BPP).
Qi2 Applications
Qi2 Applications
The WPC has promoted the following application categories as great fits for Qi2 MPP:
- Android Smartphones
- Tablets / E-Readers
- Wireless Earbuds
- Wearables
NuCurrent also anticipates the following categories to be fast-followers in adopting as well:
- Smart Speakers
- Casino Gaming
- Personal Grooming
- POS/Industrial Handhelds
Path(s) to Mass Production
Path(s) to Mass Production
There are two paths to mass production: a plug-and-play module or custom development.
Together, NuCurrent and Amphenol have developed a plug-and-play Qi2 charging module to provide an easy, time-sensitive upgrade path for customers with existing Qi1 systems, looking to achieve Qi2 certification. The Qi2 module can be customized to meet various requirements such as power levels, product size, interoperability, existing design, product lifespan, and the certification requirements set by WPC.
The second option is custom Qi2 development, which allows for tailored solutions to fit a product’s specific needs and requirements. However, it must be noted that this path is recommended for premium, high-end products with either distinct needs or those that haven’t implemented wireless power before.
Qi2 Applications
Qi2 Applications
The WPC has promoted the following application categories as great fits for Qi2 MPP:
- Android Smartphones
- Tablets / E-Readers
- Wireless Earbuds
- Wearables
NuCurrent also anticipates the following categories to be fast-followers in adopting as well:
- Smart Speakers
- Casino Gaming
- Personal Grooming
- POS/Industrial Handhelds
Path(s) to Mass Production
Questions to Ask
Before reaching out to NuCurrent, here are some questions you should ask yourself and your team…
- Does My Product have a pre-existing Qi Module?
- How Important is Speed to Market?
- What is my Cost Sensitivity?
- Do I value consistency, flexibility, and reliability?
- How much help do I need to get to market?
- What resources do I have to monitor quality and consistency in the supply chain?
- Do we have supply chain leverage to ensure the delivery of designs, certifications, and critical components?
