Qi & Co: This is how wireless charging works
With wireless charging, smartphones can be charged wirelessly. Our guide explains how the technology works, what is behind the Qi standard and the advantages and disadvantages of wireless charging.
How does wireless charging work?
Wireless charging is achieved through inductive energy transfer. For this is located in the charging station a transmitter coil through which alternating current flows. This creates a magnetic field that can transport the energy. A device that is equipped for wireless charging, on the other hand, has a receiver coil. It converts the energy from the magnetic field into electricity and feeds it into the device’s battery. The charging station for electric toothbrushes, for example, works in a similar way.
Wireless charging is not completely wireless. The charging station must always be connected to a socket with an AC adapter. So “inductive charging” would be the more correct term. Of course it doesn’t sound that catchy.
Pros and cons of wireless charging
Especially if you have more than one device that supports wireless charging, one is Wireless charging station a real relief. Instead of having to have the corresponding cable and several sockets ready for each smartphone, you can simply place the devices next to each other on the pad. In addition, a stylish charging station usually looks better than the usual tangle of cables.
A disadvantage, however, is the unavoidable loss of energy. About 20 percent of the electricity used in wireless charging is lost in the air. In addition, wireless charging is even slower than charging via cable. In the meantime, however, there are also fast-charging stations that offer faster charging. But the usual USB cable is still superior.
If the smartphone or smartwatch is not in the right place on the charging station, it can sometimes generate more heat than with conventional charging. This heat development can put a strain on the battery in the long term. According to digital trends However, wireless charging is no more harmful to the battery than other charging methods. Last but not least, unlike the cable, the smartphone cannot be used to its full extent during wireless charging and cases that are too thick may have to be removed.
What is Qi wireless charging?
Qi wireless charging is also based on the principle of inductive energy transfer. Qi (pronounced chee) is just the name of a wireless charging standard. He will from Wireless Power Consortium advertised and currently has the widest distribution on the device market. For example, Apple’s iPhones and Samsung’s Galaxy smartphones support this standard. However, the technology is not very different from other standards such as AirFuel. When buying, however, it is important to ensure that the charging station and smartphone support the same standard.
Which smartphones have wireless charging?
In 2012, Samsung was still an absolute exception with the support of wireless charging in the Galaxy smartphones. In the meantime, the technology and above all the Qi standard has prevailed. As before is Samsung’s Galaxy S series compatible with Qi charging stations. Likewise, Huawei, Xiaomi and ZTE offer models with support for wireless charging. Google’s Pixel phones and Apple’s iPhones are also compatible.
In the technical data of the products you will find information on whether the device of your choice supports wireless charging with Qi.
Can I retrofit my smartphone with wireless charging capability?
Even if you don’t have a smartphone with wireless charging capability, there are two options for adding this function later. There are numerous providers online who have cases in stock that are equipped with the necessary receiver coil. If there is no suitable model, wireless charging adapters are an even cheaper alternative.
While these aren’t particularly pretty, they’re easy to attach to the device’s USB port. The coil is also so thin that it can be easily concealed in a conventional case. Of course, you should also make sure that the charging station and adapter support the same wireless charging standard. In addition, you should not resort to cheap products. In the case of poorly produced receiver coils, there is definitely a risk of heat build-up fire hazard.
summary
- Wireless charging is achieved through inductive energy transfer between a transmitter and a receiver coil using a magnetic field.
- Qi wireless charging is the name of a specific wireless charging standard. The technology also works via inductive energy transfer.
- Advantages: The optics and with several devices only one cable is required.
- Cons: Loss of power, slower charging, heat build-up, case may need to be removed, and phone has limited usability while charging.
- Smartphones that support wireless charging include new models from the Samsung Galaxy S series, Google Pixel 3 and 3 XL, the iPhone XS and XR and various devices from Huawei, ZTE and Xiaomi.
- Smartphones can be retrofitted with Qi or AirFuel support. This requires an appropriate cover or an adapter.
Reference-www.turn-on.de