Xiaomi has just announced its own remote wireless charging technology, Mi Air Charge. Thanks to this new system there is no need for cables or a charging base, but the charging process happens remotely. According to the company, Mi Air Charge is able to charge multiple devices at 5W and they claim that physical obstacles will cause no performance issues.
The charging speed is not revolutionary, but in terms of technology level, this is a big step. The company has not confirmed that it will implement this technology in a smartphone in the near future, but it has given details about how it works.
Meet Xiaomi’s wireless charging technology: Mi Air Charge
Xiaomi explains that the core of this technology is based on spatial positioning and power transmission. “Xiaomi’s self-developed isolated charging pile has five phase interference antennas built-in, which can accurately detect the location of the smartphone. A phase control array composed of 144 antennas transmits millimeter-wide waves directly to the phone through beamforming,” said the company.
Of course, the smartphone also needs a receiving system. Xiaomi has therefore developed a “receiving antenna array” with a beacon antenna and a series of 14 integrated receiving antennas. The first transmits position information “with low power consumption”. The latter convert the millimeter-wave signal into electrical energy through a rectifier circuit.
Basically, this technology converts millimeter-wide waves into electrical energy. According to Xiaomi, Mi Air Charge wireless charging technology is currently capable of remotely charging multiple devices at once at 5W within a five-meter radius. That’s not the fastest charging speed in the world, but it is a step forward for sure.
The Chinese company says that Mi Air Charge will be able to work with smartwatches, wristbands, and other wearables too. In fact, the company imagines a future in which all speakers, desk lamps, and other small IoT devices will work wirelessly. However, it is worth remembering that for the moment this technology is not a commercial product, so it is better to wait until the details are crystal clear.
Motorola also has its own remote wireless charging system
Xiaomi is not the only manufacturer that has shown its remote wireless charging technology. Motorola has also shared a video showing off its technology recently. From what we have been able to see, the system is less complex than Xiaomi’s.
It seems that it can be used with several devices at the same time, but Motorola has not disclosed the charging speed. In addition, unlike what Xiaomi promises, for Motorola’s technology, it seems like the physical obstacles are a problem since when you put your hand between the charging base and the smartphone the charging process stops.
