STMicroelectronics Introduces World’s First Customizable Wireless Battery Charger Controller

Geneva, March 2, 2015 – The STWBC digital controller for wireless battery charger (WBC) transmitters from STMicroelectronics offers the most flexible and efficient solution for controlling power transfer from a WBC transmitter (TX) to a receiver (RX) in WBC-enabled phones, wearables, and other battery-powered devices that use electromagnetic induction for re-charge. As a member of the Qi Wireless Power Consortium and the PMA (Power Matters Alliance), ST ensures full compatibility with these leading wireless-charging protocols and is one of the first companies that hold certification for the newest Qi 1.1.2 A11 standard.

The STWBC performs all the essential functions for transmitter control: it is able to precisely control the amount of transmitted power to match the requirements of the receiving unit in terms of maximizing the efficiency of the power transfer and minimizing any increase in operating temperature. The digital feedback between TX and RX units also allows the detection of metal objects close to the receiver (foreign object detection FOD) that could result in potential hazards, enabling the STWBC to stop power transmission when such objects are detected.

Key features of the STWBC include:

Multiple Qi and PMA standards support
Qi 1.1.2 A11-certified
Up to 5W power capability for mobiles, wearables, remote controls
Native support for half-bridge and full-bridge topologies
5V operating voltage.

Uniquely, the STWBC comes with firmware options to offer customers the ability to personalize their end product without the need of external microcontrollers:

A turn-key Qi 1.1.2 A11 certified solution (reference design board STEVAL-ISB027V1), fully interoperable with Qi-enabled mobile phones
API (application programming interface) access to customize the underlying firmware, for example modifying the behavior of the LEDs or GPIOs in response to the receiver behavior and supporting I²C and UART communication within a network

The device is offered together with a complete ecosystem to support customers in building their applications, including the Qi 1.1.2 A11-certified reference design board (STEVAL-ISB027V1), API libraries and documentation to develop software customizations, as well as a comprehensive graphical user interface to monitor real-time performance and diagnostics.

Housed in a VFQFPN32 package, the STWBC is available in full production at a price of US$3.00 in 1k volumes.