Summary of WattUp – RF based Wireless Charging at a Distance
Energeous developed WattUp, an RF-based wireless charging system overcoming induction limitations by transmitting power up to 3 feet away. This technology enables a universal ecosystem where transmitters charge multiple compatible devices like smartphones and tablets simultaneously without physical contact. The system utilizes antennas for safe micro-energy collection and offers app control for scheduling and prioritizing power distribution across various electronics. Although FCC approved, the product was not yet commercially available at the time of writing.
Parts used in the WattUp:
- WattUp transmitter
- Receiver with multiple antennas
- Control application
Recently, many big companies such as Samsung have developed wireless chargers which work by induction. These chargers usually consist of a station which needs to be in contact with the device in order to charge. The station defeats the purpose of being able to move and walk while still charging the device. Energeous, a global leader in RF- based wireless charging, created the award-winning device WattUp in order to give mobile power to everyone.
The WattUp transmitter converts electricity into radio frequencies, then beams the energy to nearby devices that have the right receiving equipment. This system has proved to be more practical than induction since it can work from up to 3 feet away. Energeous wants to make a wire free charging ecosystem by taking into advantage the fact that the transmitter can charge multiple devices at a time, and as WIFI it would be able to charge your phone even if you are Samsung and the transmitter is Apple. All kind of devices can be charged using WattUp including (but not limited to) cameras, smartphones, tablets, wearables, and toys.
The receiver uses multiples antennas to collect the micro energy beams created by the transmitter (which makes it safe because power is received in small amounts). There is also an application available in which you can control the devices that are receiving power, how much power for each one, and even what times you want it charging. For example, you can prioritize cellphone charging in peak hours of use and leave other electronics to charge at night just with the click of a button.
The WattUp has already been FCC (federal communications commission) approved, and Energeous offers a variety of prices depending on the range of the transmitter, but it is still not available in the market. The company will be in CES 2018 showing their product, this event will take place on January 9th– 12th in Las Vegas.
Read more: WattUp – RF based Wireless Charging at a Distance
- How does WattUp differ from traditional induction chargers?
WattUp works from up to 3 feet away using radio frequencies instead of requiring direct contact. - Can WattUp charge different brands of devices together?
Yes, it creates a wire free ecosystem allowing cross brand charging similar to WIFI compatibility. - What types of devices are compatible with this system?
It can charge cameras smartphones tablets wearables and toys among others. - Is the energy transmission considered safe?
Yes because the receiver uses multiple antennas to collect micro energy beams received in small amounts. - Does the system allow users to schedule charging times?
Yes an application lets you set specific times for charging or prioritize phones during peak hours. - Has the device received regulatory approval?
The WattUp has already been approved by the Federal Communications Commission. - Was the product available for purchase when the article was written?
No the company stated it was still not available in the market at that time. - Where did Energeous plan to showcase their product?
The company planned to show the product at CES 2018 in Las Vegas.
