Qi wireless power standard finalised

The Qi standard will encourage interoperability in the industry

The Wireless Power Consortium (WPC) has agreed on a new standard to ensure the interoperability of 5W wireless power receivers.

The Qi low-power agreement means that the technical specifications for the development of tools that conform to this standard will be available from 30 August to ensure standardisation across the industry for products of this nature.

Manufacturers will need to have all products approved in order to gain the Qi seal of approval, explained Menno Treffers, chairman of the WPC, in a blog post.

"Only products that work according to the specifications carry the Qi logo. Before a product gets the logo an independent lab must perform the compliance tests. This certification service will start at the beginning of August," he said.

Treffers explained in a second blog entry why the new logo will be of benefit to the industry and consumers.

"Our goal is interoperability. Our customers will see the Qi logo and know that this product works with other Qi products. That promise holds if the logo is used on properly tested products," he said.

Treffers also explained that the Qi symbol has been registered as a trademark, and that companies will require a licence to use it.

A document defining the interface for contactless power transfer between a transmitter and a receiver will be available publicly from 30 August. Two further documents on performance requirements and compliance testing will be available for members of the WPC.

Sales of wireless charging devices are predicted to grow by a factor of 65 over the next five years, according to research firm iSuppli. Manufacturers are currently shipping 3.6 million units a year, but this could expand to 234.9 million by 2014.

"An open standardised system will create a healthier competitive environment, and prompt manufacturers to join forces which will enhance consumer awareness and lead to adoption in the markets," said iSuppli senior wireless research analyst Tina Teng.