History of wireless charging
In the late 1800s, Nikola Tesla successfully transmitted electricity through the air. He used a process called resonant-inductive coupling, which works by creating a magnetic field between a transmitter (which sends electricity) and a receiver (which receives the electricity) to power light bulbs in his New York City laboratory.
A few years later, he patented the Tesla coil — a tower with a coil at the top that shot bolts of electricity. Tesla had much grander visions of a wireless power grid, but these dreams were never realized.
The same basic principle of inductive charging applies to smartphone wireless charging. An electromagnetic coil, the induction coil in a charging base, creates a magnetic field and is basically an antenna to transmit a field of energy. A second smaller coil in the phone receives and harvests the energy and its circuitry converts it back to usable energy for the battery.
In recent years, wireless charging technology has come a long way: Charging speeds have increased and many designers have unified their technology under the Qi (pronounced "Chee") standard so products work with multiple phone brands and models. Devices that support wireless charging can do so because they have the right kind of coils inside. Phones aren't the only thing using wireless charging technology; medical implants like pacemakers can also be recharged wirelessly.
Wireless charging does have its drawbacks. Wired charging is faster and more efficient, but the further away the receiver is from the transmitter, the less energy it'll receive from a magnetic field. Phones need so much energy that the charging distance is only a few millimeters.That's the big problem with wireless charging in general. Research is trying to increase the efficiency of charging, or make our phones more energy efficient. Wireless chargers are getting better every year.
How to pick a wireless charger
There are many wireless chargers on the market at different prices and levels of quality.
- Seek chargers have a sleek design that looks good on a countertop or side table, and charges at top speeds. Those that possess a rubbery pad on the bottom that keeps it from slipping if accidentally bumped are also great to have.
- The device should have foreign-object detection, and should turn off if a piece of metal is put between it and your device — this will protect your devices from damage.
- Inquire if the charger will work a thick case or PopSocket, to ensure that the wireless charging will be strong enough to charge you device in the case.
Wireless Charger Options
Xpress Charger™ offers several high quality wireless charger options including the following:
- Xpress Charger™ 3 in 1 Wireless Charger
- Xpress Charger™ Magsafe Folding 3in1 Wireless Charger
- Xpress Charger™ Wireless Charging Mouse Pad
Learn more at https://www.xpresscharger.com/collections/chargers-and-accessories or email us at sales@xpresscharger.com for additional information.