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What is Qi Wireless Charging Technology and How Does it Work

Wireless charging is not a new technology. Electric toothbrushes have been employing the same principles of electromagnetic charging for years. Only now, they do it via wireless technology. Qi wireless charging utilizes a special resonant induction coupling between the receiver (the charging device) and the transmitter (your electronic device).

What is Qi wireless charging?

Qi wireless charging is based on the principle of an electro-magnetic field around a transmitter. Electrically charged objects are repelled by a corresponding magnet field. Qi devices use the theory of piezoelectricity, which means that a change in the magnetic field is accompanied by a corresponding change in an electric charge.

The difference in the charges is translated into a charge difference, or a gap. The length of this gap, called the insertion distance, dictates how long your device will be charging.

wireless charging

There are a few different ways to implement Qi charging into your electronic devices. One way is through the use of transceivers, which are small circuit boards that can be placed on a keychain or inside a jewelry box. They work by picking up a weak magnetic field from the transmitter, and responding by releasing electricity.

Transceivers like these are often called “fruit-type” transceivers because they look very much like an apple. In recent years, wireless charging systems have made use of more sophisticated methods including radio frequency, infrared, and ultraviolet signal technology.

Electro-magnetic charging system

Another way to employ Qi wireless power is via what’s called an induction charger. The basic concept is similar to the electro-magnetic charging system. Instead, of the transmitter creating a direct magnetic field around the receiver, an inductive charge is created by the induction coil.

This charge travels between two conductors that are in proximity to each other and works just as the electro-magnetic charge does. Again, however, there is a limit to the amount of power that can be transmitted between the transmitter and receiver.

wireless charger inside

The final type of Qi wireless charging system that is widely used today is called a “bridge” charger. As its name suggests, a bridge charge is a collection of different cells linked together so that they do not generate their magnetic field.

These types of chargers work great for small electronic devices such as handbags, cell phones, and other small electrical appliances. These do not work well, however, for charging larger electronic devices such as laptops, notebook computers, or other kinds of automobiles.

Some even refer to these kinds of chargers as “magnet-dispersive chargers.”

Final word’s

Today’s advanced charging systems can provide you with an effective way to incorporate wireless charging into your life. With advancements in materials and manufacturing techniques, we can expect to see a wide range of different Qi chargers available for purchase.

In addition, researchers and inventors are hard at work designing new ways to integrate Qi chargers into the modern world.

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