![Image of in-vehicle wireless charging](/system/files/featured_stories/wireless_charger.jpg)
![Image of in-vehicle wireless charging](/system/files/featured_stories/wireless_charger_sp.jpg)
Advances in Slim Wireless Charging Bolster the Fusion of Cars and Smartphones
Today, the automotive industry is going through a technological revolution referred to as CASE (Connected, Autonomous Driving, Sharing & Services, Electrification). Because smartphone interoperability is an essential part of this trend, technologies enabling easy wireless charging inside vehicles are being watched closely. The delivery of up to 15 watts of power alongside support for next-generation wireless charging standards—in a dramatically slimmer form than conventional solutions—is sure to enhance the convenience of smartphone usage in cars.
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Wireless charging is essential for smartphone utilization in cars but technically challenging
Interoperability between cars and smartphones continues to advance. In North America and Europe, cars with display/audio systems that can “mirror” a smartphone’s screen are increasingly utilized with navigation and geographical information apps.
In recent years, cars equipped with systems utilizing technologies like Near Field Communication (NFC)*1 that can unlock/lock the doors and start the engine using only a smartphone—with no need for physical keys—have come to market and are attracting attention. Services that link smartphones and cars in this way are referred to as virtual car keys and are expected to boost services such as car sharing, as they eliminate the need for physical keys. According to a study by Yano Research Institute, the global market for cars equipped with virtual keys was forecast to grow to 50.3 million units by 2022 (Global Market Trends and Forecasts for Virtual Keys, Yano Research Institute, released July 17, 2019).
With virtual keys, drivers are identified with their smartphones, which facilitates the collection of a variety of information. This is expected to invigorate information and communication systems that provide both information and entertainment, known as in-vehicle infotainment (IVI) systems. Making phone calls, sending and receiving messages, playing music, and using navigation are expected to become more convenient and enjoyable.
Smartphones interoperating with cars
![Smartphones interoperating with cars](/system/files/featured_stories/automobiles_and_smartphones_en.jpg)
Amid the progress of interoperability between cars and smartphones, there is a notable focus on the evolution of smartphone charging capabilities in cars. Of particular interest are vehicles equipped with wireless charging systems that allow users to charge their phones by simply placing them somewhere in the car instead of having to deal with cables. However, the charger units of conventional wireless charging systems are very bulky, limiting placement options. Clearly, there has been a need for much slimmer charger units. Adding to the challenge is the need to integrate NFC, a requirement for virtual keys.
An automotive wireless charging pattern coil solution only one-fifth the thickness of conventional products
Addressing these challenges is an in-vehicle wireless charging pattern coil developed by TDK. Using proprietary pattern coil technology, the coil unit’s thickness has been reduced dramatically. The latest product is set to be the world’s first to support both Magnetic Power Profile (MPP)*2 and Extended Power Profile (EPP)*3, new specifications in wireless power transfer. Additionally, TDK’s proprietary plating technology has enabled a thinness of approximately only 1 mm.
In conventional designs, no less than three traditional wound-wire coils were required to accommodate the desired charging area. In contrast, the new pattern coil can cover the entire region with a single coil. Thinner, fewer coils allow for significantly downsized circuit boards. This will enable wireless charging not only in the center console but also in door pockets, rear seats, and other locations that have been difficult to implement in the past. With MPP, the coil is combined with small magnets, eliminating misalignment during charging and enabling precise and efficient charging. This also reduces shifting during movement, making it ideal for in-vehicle charging units.
Earlier product and new wireless charging pattern coil compared
![Earlier product and new wireless charging pattern coil compared](/system/files/featured_stories/wireless_charging_coil_compared_en.jpg)
While conventional designs required three coils, TDK’s new wireless charging coil requires only one. The successful application of thin film processing to fine pattern fabrication has reduced the thickness down to nearly one-fifth (0.76 mm) of conventional products. Even the latest model, which stacks a magnet-compatible circular coil atop a traditional pattern coil, has achieved a thinness of approximately only 1 mm.
Example application of wireless charging pattern coil
![Example application of wireless charging pattern coil](/system/files/featured_stories/example_application_en.jpg)
Another characteristic of the wireless charging pattern coil is the integration of an NFC antenna. In the past, incorporating an NFC antenna required its own circuit board in addition to the wireless charging coil. TDK addressed this issue by integrating the wireless charging coil with the NFC antenna, achieving a slim design.
Integrated NFC antenna
![Integrated NFC antenna](/system/files/featured_stories/integrated_NFC_antenna_en.jpg)
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Communication Device Business Group
Noritaka Chiyo
This automotive wireless charging pattern coil, which is only one-fifth the thickness of conventional products, is the result of leveraging ferrite and other magnetic material technologies TDK has fostered since the company’s inception, along with thin film processing technology cultivated for HDD heads and other electronic components. Noritaka Chiyo, Subsection Head of the Communication Device Business Group in charge of the product, discussed the future prospects of wireless charging pattern coils.
“As wireless charging of smartphones becomes increasingly essential, we want to help create a world where people don’t have to carry around chargers and mobile batteries. More specifically, our goal is to expand the places where you can charge any smartphone by just placing it there—inside cars, on café and restaurant tables, at waiting areas in stations and airports, and so on. Because they can easily be installed almost anywhere, we believe thin coils can contribute greatly. Additionally, with TDK’s ongoing development of pattern coils supporting both MPP and EPP specifications, it will become possible to charge all Qi-compliant smartphones at up to 15 watts—unlike the last, where 15-watt fast charging required separate chargers for each standard. We are excited to continue contributing to the world’s convenience with our world-first technologies.”
Wireless charging pattern coil
![Integrated NFC antenna](/system/files/featured_stories/wireless_charging_pattern_coil.jpg)
Exceptionally thin and compatible with both EPP and MPP specifications, this wireless charging pattern coil is a game-changer. For more information about our products, please visit the Product Center.
Terminology
- Near-Field Communication (NFC): An international technology standard for short-range wireless data communication. Short-range wireless communication generally refers to technologies that allow data communication between devices by simply bringing them into proximity.
- Magnetic Power Profile (MPP): A specification that optimizes wireless charging efficiency by securing the device to the charger using magnets.
- Extended Power Profile (EPP): A specification enabling charging at up to 15 watts of power.
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