Wireless-charging boards simplify fast charging

STMicroelectronics has released 50-W, Qi-compatible transmitter and receiver boards to simplify the development of wireless charging for high-power applications such as medical and industrial equipment, home appliances and computer peripherals. The wireless-charging boards simplify fast charging using the ST Super Charge (STSC) protocol. The proprietary protocol delivers wireless charging at a faster rate than standard protocols used with smartphones and other similar devices.

(Source: STMicroelectronics)

The wireless charger transmitter and receiver combo addresses wireless charging in applications that require higher power and shorter charging intervals, targeting a wide range of applications. These include vacuum cleaners, cordless power tools, drones, mobile robots, medical drug delivery devices, portable ultrasound systems, stage lighting and mobile lighting, printers and scanners.

The STEVAL-WBC2TX50 transmitter board can deliver up to 50 W of output power using the STSC protocol for quicker recharging of larger batteries. The board also supports the Qi 1.3 5-W Baseline Power Profile (BPP) and 15-W Extended Power Profile (EPP).

The main component on the board is ST’s STWBC2-HP transmitter system-in-package, which combines an STM32G071 Arm Cortex-M0 microcontroller and an application-specific front end. The front end provides signal conditioning and frequency control, a high-resolution PWM generator to drive the transmitter, and operates with any DC voltage from 4.1 V to 24 V. Other on-board components include MOSFET gate drivers and a D+/D- interface for USB Power Delivery. The STWBC2-HP SiP can work with ST’s STSAFE-A110 secure element to provide Qi authentication.

The STEVAL-WLC98RX receiver board also handles up to 50 W charging power, accommodating the full STSC capability as well as BPP and EPP charging. The board supports Adaptive Rectifier Configuration (ARC), which extends charging distance by up to 50% to allow lower-cost coils and more flexible configurations, ST said.

Other features include accurate voltage and current measurement for Foreign Object Detection (FOD), thermal management and system protection. This board uses ST’s STWLC98 wireless power receiver IC, which contains a Cortex-M3 core and an integrated high-efficiency synchronous-rectifier power stage with programmable output voltage up to 20 V.

Software tools include ST’s STSW-WPSTUDIO for the STEVAL-WLC98RX and STSW-WBC2STUDIO for the STEVAL-WBC2TX50. Design documents are also available to help with development.

The boards come with a Declaration of Conformity to the EU Radio Equipment Directive (RED) and are available from the ST eStore and distributors. Pricing starts at $113.93 for the STEVAL-WLC98RX receiver and $109.03 for the STEVAL-WBC2TX50 transmitter.