Murata Announces Development of Field-Coupled Wireless Power Transmission System
Murata Manufacturing Co., Ltd. has developed a field-coupled type of power transmission system capable of supplying power to devices wirelessly. Use of this system makes it possible for the devices to be charged simply by placing them on the charger without the aid of power cords or other physical connections. The system is described as highly efficient and is said to feature a high level of positional freedom, making it extremely useful and convenient.
As mobile devices have continued to proliferate, wireless power transmission systems have been the focus of many development projects of late. However, one issue with the electromagnetic induction system that is the subject of many such projects is the fact that charging is not possible unless the device concerned is placed exactly at the charging point. Murata teamed up with TMMS Co., Ltd. (Technology Marketing & Management Solutions), which has its own field-coupled wireless power transmission technology, and utilized this technology to jointly develop a wireless power transmission system. With the use of this system, devices can be charged without having to be concerned about the location of the charging point.
The field-coupled system is a method that involves positioning electrodes at the power-sending and power-receiving ends and transmitting energy using the electrical fields generated between these electrodes. Since a capacitance is generated between the electrodes, it is also called a capacitive coupling system.
The field-coupled system features include: charging of multiple types of electronic devices using a single charging stand is enabled; minimal heat is generated by the transmission part; charging of devices on the move is also possible owing to high level of positional freedom; easy incorporation into devices is possible since the electrode parts serving as the interface of the power transmission can be formed extremely thin; and many different materials such as transparent and flexible resins can be used for the charging stands, , enabling creation of unique designs.
Among the applications for the field-coupled system: cell phones, mobile music players, digital still cameras, notebook PCs and other mobile devices, lighting fixtures, decorations, and housing equipment.
By incorporating the chargers into an office desk, the desk will become a "smart" desk capable of charging notebook PCs, cell phones, digital still cameras and other such devices simply by placing them on the desk. By incorporating the system throughout transportation and accommodation facilities, an environment will be created wherein devices can be charged anywhere and without ac adapters.
To be determined for individual orders; the mass production target price of 980 yen for the power-sending module and power-receiving module together (for orders received when the monthly production runs to 100,000 units).
