STMicroelectronics STEVAL-WLC38RX receiver board

STMicroelectronics has launched the STEVAL-WLC38RX receiver evaluation board containing the STWLC38 5W/15W receiver IC to simplify the development of Qi-compliant wireless chargers up to 15 W. The receiver evaluation board can help quickly build and test wireless-charger prototypes. It is used with the STSW-WPSTUDIO graphical software environment to assist development.

The receiver IC supports the Qi 1.3 15W Extended Power Profile (EPP) and 5 W Baseline Power Profile (BPP). It can also perform as a 5 W transmitter and allows reverse power transfer for device-to-device charging. Integrating a synchronous rectifier and low-dropout (LDO) linear regulator, the IC converts power from the receiver coil to a programmable 4–12 VDC output, with power-transfer efficiency of 85%. ST’s Adaptive Rectifier Configuration (ARC) mode, which enhances the usable charging area, extends the typical receiver-detection distance by 50% and increases spatial freedom to position devices for optimal power transfer.

The STWBC86 Qi 1.2.4 BPP-compatible 5 W transmitter integrates a high-efficiency, low-impedance full-bridge inverter and drivers, which provide low power dissipation. The IC controls the energy transferred through the transmitter coil by adjusting the applied PWM frequency and duty cycle.

The IC operates with a wide input-voltage range, which eases use in consumer and industrial products. It is managed with an Arm Cortex-M0+ digital core for efficiency. Integrated non-volatile memory (NVM) permits hosting advanced features and allows protocol evolution by updating firmware.

Housed in tiny chip-scale packages, the IC is suitable for compact applications. The STWLC38 wireless power receiver comes in a 2.12 x 3.32 mm WLCSP40, while the STWBC86 transmitter is in a 3.26 x 3.67 mm WLCSP72. Thermal management and electrical protection are built in.