Texas Instruments and Fulton Innovation will accelerate development of efficient wireless power solutions that can charge portable devices without traditional power cords.
TI semiconductor technologies can help minimize cost, board space, and accelerate time to market of Fulton’s eCoupled technology-based power delivery and charging systems in low-, medium- and high-power applications ranging from cell phones to notebook computers to power tools and other rechargeable applications.
As part of the relationship, TI integrated circuits (ICs) could be designed to support eCoupled inductive wireless power technology, a patented technique that optimizes power transfer under multiple, varying load conditions and spatial configurations. These IC-based solutions would be used to create a universal power source that can charge multiple devices at the same time, including devices that require different charging voltages.
“We are excited to work with Texas Instruments to co-develop advanced, inventive power delivery solutions,” said Dave Baarman, Fulton’s director of advanced technologies. “This will enable commercialization of cost and power-efficient systems, benefitting both the makers and end-users of portable equipment.”
“Users will be able to charge their cell phones, headsets and laptops in new and convenient ways that previously were not possible,” said Steve Anderson, senior vice president of TI’s power management business unit.
Research from the U.S. Department of Energy determined that, on average, 75 percent of all electricity used to power electronics is consumed when products are not in use. Fulton’s eCoupled technology addresses this problem by using an advanced profiling protocol that identifies eCoupled-enabled devices to be powered. At the same time, the profiling protocol also assesses power needs and individual battery lifecycles to provide only the necessary amount of power for any given device.
Fulton’s eCoupled technology is designed to be used anywhere traditional power needs exist – whether you are at home or office, in the car or manufacturing plant. It supplies power and communication through an inductively coupled power circuit that dynamically seeks resonance, allowing the primary supply circuit to adapt its operation to match the needs of the eCoupled-enabled devices it recognizes.
“We look forward to supporting eCoupled-based solutions using our extensive portfolio of charge and power management solutions for all types of portable applications,” said Masoud Beheshti, director of battery charge solutions in TI’s battery management solutions group. “The goal is to have end-equipment designs with a combination of TI semiconductors and eCoupled technology available in the market in 2009.”