Rohde & Schwarz recently showcased a breakthrough in testing far-field wireless power systems at the IEEE Wireless Power Technology Conference and Expo (WPTCE) in Kyoto, Japan. Their new radio frequency (RF) wireless power tester integrates their test and measurement solutions with available wireless charging development kits. The system is designed for ease of use, featuring automated testing capabilities and an intuitive web interface, and is fully compatible with the AirFuel Alliance RF standard.
With an estimated 29 billion wireless devices globally by 2030, conventional power solutions like manual charging, battery swapping, or charging pads become less practical. These methods frequently need ongoing upkeep, which raises the complexity and expense. An innovative solution is provided by RF technology. To transmit electricity wirelessly, it transforms radio frequency impulses into direct current (DC). At WPTCE, Rohde & Schwarz used a prototype of their wireless power test system to showcase these cutting-edge capabilities.
RF wireless power transfer offers the potential to power multiple devices without physical contact, with a range of several meters from the power source. This eliminates the need for cables or constant battery upkeep, making it ideal for environments like smart buildings or vehicles where low-power IoT devices need constant energy without interruption. With RF technology, sensors, and other devices can stay powered without the need for battery changes or manual recharging.
The environmental benefits of this technology are notable. By reducing the need for disposable batteries, RF wireless power could lessen the environmental impact tied to battery production and disposal. Batteries not only require significant energy to produce but also pose waste disposal risks. With RF-powered, battery-free devices, there’s a potential to cut down on these environmental hazards dramatically.
A comprehensive solution for testing wireless power transmitters and receivers is the goal of Rohde & Schwarz's wireless power testing effort. Rohde & Schwarz is helping to shape the future of RF wireless charging as a member of the AirFuel Alliance, a global group dedicated to standardizing this technology. Their testing methodology is in line with the AirFuel Alliance's RF charging Conformance Test Specification, which guarantees that devices fulfill industry-accepted standards for performance and compatibility.
The testing system uses several Rohde & Schwarz products, including the R&S SMB100B RF and microwave signal generator, R&S FSV3000 signal and spectrum analyzer, and R&S NGU source measure unit (SMU), which emulates battery performance. It also features two R&S HMC8012 digital multimeters. The entire setup is designed for ease of use, controlled via a web-based interface that allows for seamless automation.
“Today, we have over 15 billion 1/2 connected IoT devices, yet we still power them manually. At the very least, low power IoT devices should be powered over the air and without human interaction,”
said Dr. -Ing Rania Morsi, Head of the WPT project at Rohde & Schwarz.
“We clearly see that wireless RF energy can meet this need, offering a maintenance free solution that provides power on demand to multiple devices – even when the devices are in use or in motion. We are confident that the Rohde & Schwarz test solution for RF wireless power transfer will accelerate the adoption of this technology. We are excited to collaborate with AirFuel Alliance to test device conformance to the AirFuel Alliance RF standard.”
Dr. Sanjay Gupta, President and Chairman of the AirFuel Alliance, added:
"I want to thank Rohde & Schwarz for their leadership in developing a wireless power tester (WPT) for the AirFuel RF standard. The WPT will enable companies to test and validate conformance to the AirFuel RF standard and accelerate the deployment of interoperable RF wireless power solutions."