Microchip releases Qi 1.3 wireless charging reference design

Microchip Technology Inc. recently released its Qi 1.3 wireless charging reference design that provides the required tools and support for developers of wireless charging systems for automotive and consumer applications. The Qi 1.3 specification, recently released by the Wireless Power Consortium (WPC), requires authentication for improved safety when transmitting up to 15 W of power between a transmitter and a receiver.

(Source: Microchip Technology)

Microchip’s three-coil Qi 1.3 reference design jumpstarts product development by integrating secure storage subsystem software with the wireless power microcontroller (MCU). In addition, the reference design’s flexibility enables custom topologies and foreign object detection (FOD) implementation.

Microchip, as a member of the WPC, provided expertise during development of the Qi 1.3 specification. “Qi 1.3 is a significant update from Qi 1.2.4 and mandates hardware-based authentication between transmitter and receiving devices for power transfer above 5 W,” said Microchip. “By adhering to the new authentication standard, designers can ensure phones receiving 15 W are receiving it from a Qi-certified authenticated transmitter to ensure safety.”

The reference design integrates a Qi controller, Qi application software, a provisioned authentication controller that is a WPC-approved secure storage subsystem, and crypto software libraries that execute on the Qi controller. It also includes complete schematics, bill of materials, software, and design guidelines.

(Source: Microchip Technology) Click for a larger image.

Microchip provides the dsPIC33C family of devices to run the Qi application software and the ECC608/TA100 secure storage subsystem provisioned by Microchip as a licensed WPC Manufacturing Certificate Authority. The reference design also incorporates MIC4605 and MCP14700 gate drivers, MCP16331 and MCP1725 regulators, an MCP6C02 current sense device, an ATA6563 CAN transceiver, and an MCP9700 temperature sensor.

Microchip’s Qi 1.3 wireless charging transmitter reference design is available for demonstrations and evaluations for qualified customers. The company will provide a license agreement to access the reference design software. Evaluation boards will be available for purchase for qualified customers through Avnet in August 2021.