Near-field communication (NFC) charging is offering a solution to one of the most persistent challenges in IoT; power autonomy. NFC as a technology can transmit power as well as data. As IoT devices grow across different sectors from consumer wearables to industrial sensors, being able to power these devices and reduce dependency on recharging has become an area of interest.
NFC technology is a short-range wireless technology that can facilitate communication between two electronic devices in a short distance, as well as provide power. A common example seen today of NFC technology in practice is somebody using their phone to pay for a product by holding it close to the card reader. Besides payment services, NFC technology can also be used to access control in buildings, access product information when shopping and manage patient information in healthcare.
“The wireless charging capability of NFC is viewed by many in the ecosystem as the next big leap beyond contactless payments,” wrote Mike McCamon, Executive Director of the NFC Forum in a contributed article for IoT Insider. In the piece, McCamon outlined NFC charging as having a “profound impact” on the modern world and providing “a huge draw” for product designers in enhancing existing systems and keeping them compatible with legacy and new devices.
The NFC Forum, an industry body supporting NFC technology and charging, is responsible for its Wireless Charging Specification which defines communication protocols and power transformation methods, targeting small, low-power devices. The specification ensures that devices from different manufacturers can work together safely.
The NFC Forum earlier this year published its bi-annual ‘NFC USage and Adoption Study’. The study, which was conducted by ABI Research, showed that 80% surveyed confirmed using a smartphone or smart watch to make contactless payments. “The 2024 Study highlights a significant paradigm shift in the way that people use their contactless devices,” said Andrew Zignani, Research Director at ABI Research in the announcement. “Daily use of mobile payment platforms is becoming increasingly common, with users citing the security, reliability and convenience of digital solutions as core driving factors.”
Use cases of NFC charging
The benefits of NFC charging in IoT devices are significant; enabling devices to charge wirelessly removes the need for using charging cables and connectors. Wearable technology, for instance, which includes fitness trackers and smart watches, represents a viable application for NFC charging. These devices require frequent recharging due to their small battery capacities and continuous monitoring functions.
Smart home technology is another area where NFC charging is making significant inroads. Devices such as smart locks, thermostats, and security cameras can benefit from the enhanced autonomy provided by NFC charging. These devices are often installed in fixed locations, making them ideal candidates for wireless charging solutions.
As an example, a smart thermostat equipped with NFC charging can be powered continuously without the need for replacing batteries or running power cables through. This integration not only simplifies installation but also ensures that the device remains operational during power outages, as it can draw minimal power from a backup NFC charger.
In industrial settings, IoT sensors play a crucial role in monitoring and managing operations. These sensors often operate in harsh environments and are challenging to access for regular maintenance and battery replacement. NFC charging provides a solution by enabling these sensors to recharge without direct human intervention.
In manufacturing environments, NFC-charged sensors can also be used on moving parts of machinery. These sensors can recharge wirelessly at specific points during the machine’s operation cycle, ensuring they remain powered without affecting the machine’s operation.
Conclusion
NFC charging is emerging as a transformative technology to the IoT industry, whether this is for wearables or industrial environments, providing a seamless, wireless power transfer. Its ability to transmit information between electronic devices over a short distance has also made it a popular means of consumers paying for goods, as demonstrated by the recent NFC Forum study.
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