STMicroelectronics STWLC88 Qi wireless-charging IC

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STMicroelectronics has introduced the STWLC88, claimed to be the world’s fastest Qi wireless-charging IC. Delivering as much as 50 W of power, the device is designed to charge smartphones, tablets, laptops and other personal electronic devices without cables — as safely and nearly as quickly and efficiently as by plugging them in. It is said to charge smartphones two times faster than the company’s previous-generation device.

Safe, wireless delivery of high power to charge personal electronics must address a range of challenges including efficiency, foreign object detection (FOD) and thermal, overvoltage and overcurrent protection. ST addresses these challenges with patented hardware, cutting-edge signal processing algorithms and the ST SuperCharge (STSC) protocol. These enhancements allow users to achieve high power efficiently and safely, while remaining compliant with Qi specifications.

The IC incorporates multiple circuits to reduce the external BOM (bill of materials), making it suitable for integration in a wide range of applications with restrictive PCB area requirements. Being WPC Qi 1.2.4 EPP compliant, the device is fully compatible with all Qi EPP certified transmitters in the market. As a result, it offers features that are critical for performance and safety and is suitable for medium- to high-power wireless-charging applications.

With its fully integrated ultralow impedance, high-voltage synchronous rectifier and low drop-out linear regulator, the device achieves high efficiency and low power dissipation, critical for applications that are sensitive to unnecessary heat build-up. The power-charger chip features dedicated hardware and algorithms that were developed to address challenges in ASK and FSK communication during high power delivery. FOD and an integrated current-sensing system ensure high power delivery is performed safely and in a controlled manner.

The product can operate in high-efficiency transmitter mode to allow high-power charge-sharing mode. This is coupled with Q factor detection in a receiver device to ensure safe operation and protection to end users.

An I2C interface allows firmware and platform developers to customise parameters in the device and the configuration can be programmed into the embedded FTP, which allows for more than 1000 instances of re-programming. Additional firmware patching improves application flexibility.

For more information: www.st.com/stwlc88-pr.