Transmitter is FCC-approved for power-over-distance wireless charging

The 3W transmitter is FCC-approved (Part 15, FCC ID:  YESTX91503) and ISED-approved (Canada IC:  8985A-TX91503).

It works at a range of up to 24m (80-feet) for over-the-air charging of multiple devices. It is believed to be the industry’s first long-range, far-field, power-over-distance wireless recharging transmitter for consumer devices to gain FCC and ISED approval.

In operation, it does not need charging mats or direct line of sight. It creates a coverage area like Wi-Fi, and automatically charges enabled devices when within range. The transmitter uses the 915MHz ISM band to send RF energy to a tiny Powercast receiver chip embedded in a device, which converts it to direct current to power or recharge that device’s batteries. Up to 30 devices can be left in the transmission zone on a countertop or desktop overnight and be charged by morning, sharing the transmitter’s 3.0W (EIRP) power output. Charging rates will vary with distance, type and power consumption of a device, advises the company. For exmaple, power-hungry, heavily used devices like game controllers, smart watches, fitness bands, hearing aids, ear buds, or headphones charge best at a distance of up to 0.6m, keyboards and mice can charge at up to 2.0m, TV remotes and smart cards at a range of up to 3m and low-power devices home automation sensors up to 24.38m (80-feet) away. An illuminated LED indicates when devices are charging and turns off when the charge is complete. Audible alerts indicate when devices move in and out of the charge zone. 

The company also offers a PowerSpot sub-assembly that manufacturers can integrate into their consumer goods products. According to the company, lamps, appliances, set-top boxes, gaming systems, computer monitors, furniture or vehicle dashboards can become charging zones, able to charge multiple, enabled devices around them.

The PowerSpot transmitter uses direct sequence spread spectrum (DSSS) modulation for power and amplitude shift keying (ASK) modulation for data, and includes an integrated 6dBi directional antenna with a 70-degree beam pattern. 

Powercast will exhibit at CES, booth 40268. The company will also showcase a technology demonstration of a PowerSpot transmitter that adds the Qi inductive wireless charging standard. It combines RF over-the-air charging for multiple PowerSpot-enabled devices placed near the transmitter, and Qi proximity charging for Qi-enabled mobile phones placed directly on the Qi charger on top of the PowerSpot transmitter.