Rohde & Schwarz demonstrated a proof of concept for testing far-field wireless power systems at the IEEE Wireless Power Technology Conference and Expo (WPTCE) in Kyoto, Japan. The radio frequency (RF) wireless power tester, developed by Rohde & Schwarz, integrates the company’s test and measurement solutions with commercially available wireless charging development kits. The system also includes automated testing capabilities and an intuitive web interface. With this setup, Rohde & Schwarz supports the AirFuel Alliance RF standard.
As the number of wireless devices is projected to reach 29 billion by 2030, according to Statista, the demand for advanced power solutions becomes increasingly urgent. Traditional methods like manual recharging, battery replacements, or charging pads are often impractical, requiring ongoing maintenance. RF technology provides an innovative alternative, enabling wireless power transfer by converting RF signals into direct current (DC). At the IEEE WPTCE event in Kyoto, Rohde & Schwarz presented a prototype of its wireless power testing (WPT) system to showcase this capability.
RF wireless power transfer allows for contactless power delivery to multiple devices within a range of several metres from the power source. This eliminates the need for cables and reduces the burden of maintaining batteries. The technology has numerous applications, particularly for low-power IoT devices. In environments such as smart buildings or vehicles, it allows for the continuous powering of numerous sensors without the need for manual recharging or battery replacement.
This approach also offers environmental advantages, as it can reduce reliance on batteries. Battery production is energy-intensive, and their disposal can pose environmental risks. RF wireless power could enable the use of battery-free devices, potentially decreasing the environmental impact of battery production and waste.
The aim of the Rohde & Schwarz WPT initiative is to create a complete testing solution for both wireless power transmitters and receivers. As an active member of the AirFuel Alliance—a global organisation working towards a unified RF wireless charging standard known as AirFuel RF—Rohde & Schwarz lends its expertise in shaping the future of this emerging technology.
The Rohde & Schwarz WPT system is designed to align with the AirFuel Alliance’s Conformance Test Specification for RF charging. The testing setup includes the R&S SMB100B RF and microwave signal generator, R&S FSV3000 signal and spectrum analyser, and R&S NGU source measure unit (SMU), which acts as a battery emulator, alongside two R&S HMC8012 digital multimeters. The entire system is operable through a user-friendly web interface, allowing for seamless automation.
“Today, we have over 15 billion 1/2 connected IoT devices, yet we still power them manually. At the very least, low power IoT devices should be powered over the air and without human interaction,” said Dr. -Ing Rania Morsi, Head of the WPT project at Rohde & Schwarz. “We clearly see that wireless RF energy can meet this need, offering a maintenance free solution that provides power on demand to multiple devices – even when the devices are in use or in motion. We are confident that the Rohde & Schwarz test solution for RF wireless power transfer will accelerate the adoption of this technology. We are excited to collaborate with AirFuel Alliance to test device conformance to the AirFuel Alliance RF standard.”
“I want to thank Rohde & Schwarz for their leadership in developing a wireless power tester (WPT) for the AirFuel RF standard. The WPT will enable companies to test and validate conformance to the AirFuel RF standard and accelerate the deployment of interoperable RF wireless power solutions,” added Dr. Sanjay Gupta, President and Chairman of AirFuel Alliance.
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