STMicroelectronics, WiTricity to develop ICs for resonant wireless power transfer

Geneva, Switzerland, and Watertown, Massachusetts – STMicroelectronics, a global semiconductor leader serving customers across the spectrum of electronics applications, and WiTricity, the industry pioneer in wireless power transfer across distance, announced their design collaboration to develop semiconductor solutions for magnetic-resonance-based wireless power transfer.  The goal is to cut the last cord, bringing convenience to the powering and charging of consumer electronics, Internet of Things (IoT) devices, as well as medical, industrial, and automotive applications.

WiTricity and ST are developing semiconductor solutions that combine WiTricity’s foundational intellectual property and wireless power-transfer mixed-signal IC-design (integrated circuit) expertise, with ST’s leadership in power-semiconductor design, fabrication, and packaging capabilities and resources. For the consumer electronics and IoT markets, power transmit and receive systems built with these new semiconductors aim to deliver spatial freedom, as well as wireless fast charging of one or more devices at the same time. Dubbed Wireless Charging 2.0, the semiconductor solutions built with the magnetic resonance technology will also have unique advantages over current technology, including being able to efficiently charge metal-body smartphones, tablets, and smartwatches.

The contemplated semiconductor offerings include designs that comply with the AirFuel magnetic resonance specification as well as multi-mode solutions that incorporate both resonant and inductive charging. The AirFuel Alliance, a global organization dedicated to delivering the best wireless-charging experience for consumer electronics, is driving an interoperable ecosystem of wireless-charging Power Transfer Transmit Units (PTUs) and Power Receive Units (PRUs) that enable users to charge their devices everywhere; in their homes and offices to public spaces and even in their vehicles.

Beyond the consumer market, WiTricity is the global technology leader in wireless power for medical, automotive, and industrial, applications.

“Combining the expertise of WiTricity, the innovator in wireless power-transfer and magnetic resonance technology with ST’s resources and key IP, including smart power technologies and RF Bluetooth low energy, allows us to deliver complete, efficient wireless-charging solutions that increase convenience and ease of use while delighting consumers and exceeding their expectations,” said Matteo Lo Presti, vice president and general manager, Analog, in the Analog and MEMS Group, STMicroelectronics. “Game-changing technology from this ST and WiTricity collaboration will enable product designers across the globe to rid the world of cumbersome wires and charging cables and allow us to promote a broader set of our own semiconductor offerings into these emerging markets."

"STMicroelectronics is a global leader in semiconductor solutions for power electronics and a compelling choice to rapidly commercialize fast and efficient wireless-charging chipsets based on WiTricity’s silicon designs and magnetic-resonance technology,” said Alex Gruzen, CEO of WiTricity. “With ST’s vast experience in semiconductor design and fabrication, as well as its access to leaders in the consumer electronics, automotive, and industrial markets, this collaboration puts us in a strong position to accelerate the adoption of resonance-enabled wireless charging.”

About WiTricity
WiTricity Corporation provides technology to enable wireless power transfer over distance using magnetic resonance. Through deep domain expertise, semiconductor offerings, a strong IP portfolio and an extensive reference design library, WiTricity works with innovative companies to incorporate WiTricity technology in their products and solutions. With a growing list of global customers in the consumer electronics, automotive, medical devices and defense industries, the company is the pioneer and leader in efficient wireless power transfer over distance.

About STMicroelectronics
ST is a global semiconductor leader delivering intelligent and energy-efficient products and solutions that power the electronics at the heart of everyday life. ST’s products are found everywhere today, and together with our customers, we are enabling smarter driving and smarter factories, cities and homes, along with the next generation of mobile and Internet of Things devices. By getting more from technology to get more from life, ST stands for life.augmented. In 2015, the Company’s net revenues were $6.9 billion, serving more than 100,000 customers worldwide.

Source: WiTricity