Opentech's OWC-401T model has 5VDC and 1.8A input and 5W maximum power output.

R&D is steadily expanding toward magnetic resonance variants. Magnetic induction types dominate output.

Eyeing the potential huge market for the burgeoning line, South Korea makers of wireless chargers are pursuing development based on magnetic resonance even as it is still far from commercialization. They hope to benefit from the future wide application base of the technology, which enables power transmission at a greater distance. Magnetic induction, the method used at present, requires contact with a charging pad, limiting mobility.

Opentech Inc. has developed a prototype, anticipating the release of compliant terminal devices this year, while Komatech Co. Ltd is at the designing stage. Velos G Ltd said it would take two or three years for the process to gain steam.

Makers said the factor impeding faster adoption is cost, which is three times more than magnetic induction implementation. They also cite power efficiency, which is still relatively low and therefore disqualifies the technology as a “green” alternative at present.

Pending further developments in the category, manufacturers direct efforts toward improving existing magnetic induction-based wireless units. Komatech, for instance, focuses on realizing slimmer yet high-efficiency power patches, leveraging experience as an antenna specialist. The company has achieved 0.7mm without impact on charging efficiency, which is at 75 percent.

Opentech offers products with wireless charging and near field communication functions. It hopes to integrate the receiver in the phone battery pack to allow portable devices to support wireless charging. “That is why we aim to enter into a partnership with battery companies,” said Jeong-Seab Park, senior managing director of Opentech’s IT division.

Amid similarly featured products on the market, South Korea manufacturers continue to highlight differentiation. Komatech has a model that can charge two mobile devices simultaneously. Opentech’s releases adopt a patented design, which increases air flow and eliminates heat buildup. The company also provides a variety of bezels for its compact models. The feature allows users to enlarge the charging pad to support larger gadgets.

Suppliers have lowered their prices as well to attract more orders. Many bundle their transmitters and receivers, while others allow separate procurement to give buyers more sourcing flexibility.

Future markets

The product’s broad application range can be divided into low-, medium- and high-power segments.

The first or 5W sector includes sensors and mobile phones. The Wireless Power Consortium or WPC dominates this area. It has about 200 members.

The midlevel or 100W group encompasses kitchen appliances, particularly blenders and electric kettles. Medical equipment will fall under this category.

The last has electric cars as key application. “Cars are going to employ wireless charging systems starting next year,” said Park of Opentech. Europe has announced it will follow WPC’s lead. In South Korea, Hyundai and Ssangyong will integrate the technology in certain models.

Related report:
Mobile phone chargers: Latest units support multiple devices

Product gallery

Komatech Co. Ltd
Model: KWS-210
MOQ: 2,000 units
Delivery: 28 days
Price: $38
Description: Single type; 12VDC, 1.5A input; 5W power output at 5VDC 1A, 8W at 5VDC 1.6A, USB; 2,200mAh battery; about 4hr charging time; -10 to 60 C operating temperature; LED indicators; in black, white; 90x165x10mm; 125g; Qi; CE, FCC, KC, RoHS

Komatech Co. Ltd
Model: KWS-220
MOQ: 2,000 units
Delivery: 28 days
Price: $54
Description: Dual type; 12VDC, 2.5A input; 5W power output at 5VDC 1A, 8W at 5VDC 1.6A, USB; 2,200mAh battery; about 4hr charging time; -10 to 60 C operating temperature; LED indicators; in black, white; 85x240x9.5mm; 185g; Qi, CE, FCC, KC, RoHS

Opentech Inc.
Model: OWS-603R
MOQ: 1,000 units
Delivery: 30 days
Price: $8
Description: 5VDC, 600mA output; NFC, foreign object detection; 56x88x1.2mm; Qi, CE, KCC

Opentech Inc.
Model: OWC-401T
MOQ: 1,000 units
Delivery: 30 days
Price: $19
Description: 5VDC, 1.8A input; 5W maximum power output; <0.1W standby power consumption; foreign object detection; overcurrent protection; Micro-USB port; 100x100x11mm; Qi, CE, FCC, KCC, SRRC

Velos G Ltd
Model: Velos P1 (White)
Description: 110 to 205kHz; 5V, 2A input; 5W maximum power output; <0.5W standby power consumption; >70% transmission efficiency; -20 to 80 C operating temperature; 3hr charging time; WPC-compliant A1-type 5W coil

Velos G Ltd
Model: Velos P1 (Black)
Description: 110 to 205kHz; 5V, 2A input; 5W maximum power output; <0.5W standby power consumption; >70% transmission efficiency; -20 to 80 C operating temperature; 3hr charging time; WPC-compliant A1-type 5W coil