CAIRO, Egypt, November 17, 2015 – Ossia Inc., the innovative developer of the award-winning Cota™ wireless charging technology, today unveiled its charging transmitter and “client” receiver chips developed by Cairo-based Si-Ware Systems (SWS). Unlike wireless charging on a pad, which requires close proximity, the Cota Wireless Charger, built around Si-Ware’s transmitter chip, powers all enabled mobile devices within a 30-foot radius.
Remote wireless charging is seeing increasing demand as the mobile segment expands, wearable devices proliferate and the Internet of Things (IoT) brings “smart” networked appliances to home, office and industrial environments. The total market is expected to exceed $8.5B by 2018, according to IHS Research. Battery life and the need for battery exchange is restricting many applications due to size and hard-to-reach placement. Ossia’s Cota multipath RF (Radio Frequency) technology is both safe and effective, providing the best user experience of any wireless power solution. As an Intel Capital Portfolio Company Ossia has also received direct investments from major telecoms and other strategic partners.
SWS’ charger chip (SWS1410) is being used to build the Cota Wireless Charger, which can deliver more than 10 watts of remote wireless power. The receiver chip (SWS1420), which will be embedded in portable devices and batteries, is capable of receiving up to 6 watts of power to charge energy-hungry electronics efficiently. “SWS’ charger chip (SWS1410) is being used to build the Cota Wireless Charger, which can deliver more than 10 watts of remote wireless power. The receiver chip (SWS1420), which will be embedded in portable devices and batteries, is capable of receiving up to 6 watts of power to charge energy-hungry electronics efficiently, from Apple iPhones™ and Android™ handsets to remote control units and keyboards.”
“Wireless charging solutions and going cable-free are changing the way we use and interact with everyday devices, opening the door for a host of new applications and consumer technologies,” said Hatem Zeine, chief executive officer, Ossia. “SWS had the deep understanding of our needs and was able to deliver an innovative silicon chipset in less than one year that was operational in a real environment. They were highly responsive, worked with us closely through all development phases, and were committed to offering a complete approach, from concept to manufacture.”
SWS worked closely with Ossia to transform the system-level concept of the Cota technology into an integrated, commercially viable two-chip solution that meets the strict cost, size and efficiency requirements necessary for high-volume consumer technology. The advanced first-generation chips are designed and manufactured on mainstream CMOS technology from partner GLOBALFOUNDRIES, with no special manufacturing process steps, in order to ensure high yield and low cost.
High levels of collaboration between Ossia and SWS, including frequent onsite visits, were the key factor in translating high-level requirements into detailed specifications for the SWS1410 and SWS1420 chipset, with the main focus on the commercial viability and robustness of the complete wireless charging solution. Ossia was able to leverage SWS’ experience, silicon-proven IP, and ISO-qualified design/verification methodology to realize a state-of-the-art chipset that was fully functional and ready for sampling in less than one year.
“SWS is committed to being at the forefront of the wireless charging movement, with the company’s strong RF and mixed-signal design capability,” said Hisham Haddara, chief executive officer, Si-Ware Systems. “Our close partnership with Ossia, from design requirements to packaged chips, has been a rewarding endeavor, and we look forward to the success of Ossia and Cota in this emerging industry.”
Availability
Charger ASIC samples (SW1410) will be available in Q1 2016 and receiver ASIC samples (SWS1420) in Q2 2016.
CES 2016 Demonstration
The system will be demonstrated in January at the Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas. Ossia and Si-Ware will be on hand to discuss the technology and the chipset solution.
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About Si-Ware Systems
Si-Ware Systems (SWS) is an independent fabless semiconductor company that is fostering silicon innovation. SWS has two main businesses – ASIC Solutions and Optical MEMS Technology. ASIC Solutions provides custom ASIC development and supply, specializing in analog/mixed-signal and RF design. Focus areas of expertise for ASICs include sensor interfaces and MEMS, wireless, timing, and power management. Optical MEMS Technology has developed the worlds’ first single-chip FT-IR spectrometer under the brand name NeoSpectra™ (www.neospectra.com), using its unique platform – Silicon integrated Micro Optical Systems Technology (SiMOST™), that allows the creation of multiple optical components on silicon. SWS also incubates new and innovative semiconductor technology to bring to market, such an all-silicon Self Compensating Oscillator (SCO™). For more information, please visit www.si-ware.com.
About Ossia Inc.
Ossia is challenging people’s core assumptions about what is possible with wireless power. Ossia’s flagship product, Cota, redefines wireless power by safely delivering remote, targeted energy to devices as far away as 30 feet. Built on Ossia’s patented smart antenna technology, Cota automatically keeps multiple devices charged without any user intervention, enabling an efficient and truly wire-free, powered-up world, that is always on and always connected. Headquartered in Bellevue, Wash., Ossia operated in stealth since its founding in 2008, and publicly launched at Disrupt San Francisco 2013. Visit our website at www.ossiainc.com.
