Powercast Showcases Wireless Power Innovations at CES

Powercast, a leader in wireless power technology, has consistently demonstrated its commitment to innovation at the Consumer Electronics Show (CES). From groundbreaking RF-based over-the-air charging solutions to sustainable, battery-free sensor technology, Powercast products at CES have consistently pushed the boundaries of what's possible in wireless power. This article explores the various Powercast products at CES, highlighting their impact on consumer electronics and the smart home landscape.

Powercast's Award-Winning Wireless Power Technology

Powercast's core technology revolves around radio frequency (RF) based over-the-air wireless power. This technology enables devices to be charged remotely, eliminating the need for wires and reducing reliance on batteries. At CES, Powercast has showcased a range of products that leverage this technology, demonstrating its versatility and potential across various applications. The company's focus on low-cost solutions is critical to making wireless power a ubiquitous reality, with a goal of having multiple RF transmitters in every home for seamless, contactless charging.

Ubiquity: Low-Cost RF Power Transmitter

A significant highlight of Powercast products at CES was the unveiling of the Ubiquity transmitter. This ultra-low-cost RF power transmitter is designed to make over-the-air wireless charging more accessible and widespread. The Ubiquity transmitter was recognized as a CES Innovation Award Honoree in three categories: Smart Home, Embedded Technologies, and Sustainability, Eco-Design & Smart Energy. The design is intended to lower the barrier to entry, allowing for multiple transmitters in a home to provide comprehensive RF coverage. Powercast offers the Ubiquity design as a licensable reference design for a low $5 bill of material cost, or an embeddable module, allowing manufacturers to easily integrate RF transmitting capabilities into their products.

The Ubiquity transmitter works by sending RF over the air, while compatible devices embed a receiver to harvest the energy and convert it into DC power. This system enables both communication and power delivery. This architecture is suitable for low-power devices that benefit from continuous, background charging. Powercast has also created a standalone Ubiquity transmitter, similar in size to a portable speaker, showcasing the technology's adaptability.

Ubiquity Module for Integration

The Ubiquity module is a drop-in solution that includes all necessary electronics and hardware for manufacturers to integrate RF transmitting capability into their products. This approach allows appliances, TVs, and other devices to become wireless charging hubs. By offering a licensable reference design, Powercast provides manufacturers with the flexibility to integrate just the essential electronics directly onto their circuit boards, further reducing costs.

Battery-Free Wireless Smart Home Automation

A key focus of Powercast products at CES has been on creating sustainable and untethered wireless smart home automation sensors. These sensors, including window, door, temperature, light, humidity, water, and motion sensors, are designed to be battery-free, eliminating the need for battery replacements and reducing e-waste. This innovation aligns with Powercast's commitment to creating a greener future. These sensors integrate into smart home ecosystems like Google Home, Amazon Alexa, and Samsung SmartThings, using Matter and Thread compatibility.

Powercast’s RF energy-harvesting technology enables these sensors to be powered over the air from nearby RF transmitters. Manufacturers embed the Powerharvester wireless RF receiver chip and an antenna into their sensors, allowing them to be powered from a transmitter up to 25 feet away. This creates a wireless power network (WPN) that can support all sensors in a home.

Demonstrations at CES

Powercast's demonstrations at CES have provided a glimpse into a future where wireless power is ubiquitous. At CES, they showcased a Matter-compliant, battery-free window sensor powered wirelessly from up to 25 feet away. They also demonstrated a home environment equipped with multiple Ubiquity transmitters, wirelessly powering various devices, including electric toothbrushes, TV remotes, and smart home sensors. This illustrates how Powercast products at CES are paving the way for a world where devices are always powered and ready to use, without the hassle of wires or batteries.

The company also showcased the use of its technology in a bathroom setup, highlighting the potential to eliminate wires and battery corrosion issues associated with water. This demonstrates the versatility and practicality of RF wireless power in various environments.

Commitment to Sustainability

Powercast's technology not only enhances convenience but also contributes to environmental sustainability. By creating battery-free sensors and reducing the need for disposable batteries, Powercast is helping to keep toxic waste out of landfills. The company's focus on low-cost solutions aims to make this sustainable technology more accessible to consumers, promoting a greener future for all.

Conclusion

Powercast products at CES have consistently showcased the company's dedication to advancing wireless power technology. From the Ubiquity transmitter's low-cost over-the-air charging to the battery-free smart home sensors, Powercast is revolutionizing how we power our devices. Their innovations are not only improving convenience but are also promoting sustainability, making them a key player in the future of consumer electronics. The company's ongoing efforts to make wireless power more accessible and affordable promise a future where wires and batteries are a thing of the past.