Wireless Charging for IoMt 101, Part #2
As discussed in our previous post, we focused on the main ways wireless charging technology for IoMT is revolutionizing user experience and patient care. Advancements in technology have brought a new wave of personal electric medical devices into homes, particularly in the pre-pandemic landscape. Many of today’s most popular devices are extremely small and mobile, made for supporting remote care and self-monitoring. However, the smaller devices get, the more complicated it might become to charge them quickly and comfortably. That’s where advanced wireless charging technology for IoMt comes in.
MCU-Less Wireless Charging Technology for Medical IoT
Powermat’s MCU-less wireless charging solution is a superior option by providing product developers and manufacturers with a unique wireless charging technology approach that meets the charging needs of various small medical IoT devices. Powermat’s MCU-less approach in design reduces overall costs. It allows for a lightweight and cost-effective charging solution that enables the design and development of smaller, more portable products to enable high levels of sterilization and a seamless charging user experience.
Different Approaches in Designing Wireless Power for Medical IoT Devices
There are a number of technologies for wireless charging which may be suited for medical IoT devices; some of the most common include:
- Inductive: Involves induction coils that create an alternating electromagnetic field that transfers energy from a transmitter unit to a receiver unit. Inductive technologies, in most cases, will use in-band communication to control the power transfer.
- Resonance: Uses a high-frequency oscillating magnetic field to transfer energy between two coils operating at the same resonant frequency. Resonance technologies, in most cases, will use an external radio such as Bluetooth to control the power transfer.
- NFC–wireless charging: Transfers low power rates (<1W) over Near Field Communications (NFC) antennas.
- RF: Leverages an antenna embedded in an electronic device to pick up low-level frequency waves from an external source and convert energy waves into direct current voltage (suited for solutions requiring power <0.25W).
However, none of the methods mentioned above encompass all of the requirements & benefits that Powermat’s SmartInductive MCU-less platform enables.
Powermat’s Unique MCU-less System Architecture
The MCU-less wireless charging technology made for Medical Devices & IoMT is based on Powermat’s wireless charging platforms but contains a unique capability to work efficiently and safely with a passive receiver that does not contain an MCU at all. This is enabled by an advanced transmitter algorithm that controls the power and safety components of the devices.
This unique architecture enables two keep capabilities:
- An extremely small form factor on the receiver side – This allows both an extra small PCB as well as the use of tiny coils Litz or PCB
- Ultra-low-cost implementation on the receiver side
MCU-less wireless charging has higher spatial freedom, is more cost-effective, and has a higher commercial maturity rate than inductive resonance wireless charging.
The comparison below highlights the advantages and disadvantages of each wireless charging design approach for medical devices:
Powermat SmartInductive MCU-Less Platforms
Based on magnetic induction, Powermat’s patented technology, SmartInductive™, provides a broader scope of capabilities than traditional magnetic induction solutions found in the market today. Powermat’s SmartInductive™ technology provides unparalleled wireless power performance at a price point that enables mass market transformation and unlocks the full potential of a 100% wireless world.
Powermat’s MCU-Less Design Key Features
● MCU-less technology Power Range:
○ Ultra-low-power <1W
○ Standard power 1-40W
● Extremely small PCBA which enables product miniaturization
● Coils can be Litz wire or even PCB coil
● Support use of extremely tiny coils – which can support the smallest of use cases
● Low-cost receiver side
● Easy drop and charge solutions – Supporting misalignment and even angular device placement
Contact us to learn more about how you can integrate wireless charging technology into IoMT and next-generation medical devices.