The partnership will combine

SmartInductive hybrid inductive/resonance technology enables scalable wireless power applications which can penetrate walls and windows up to a depth of eight inches (200mm). It is offered in reference design platforms ranging from 5W consumer grade to 600W industrial grade applications like telecomms, robotics, micro-mobility and medical devices.

Powercast's RF technology is designed for low power consumer and industrial devices that need freedom of placement and which often operate in hard-to-reach places such as IoT sensor networks where wiring and battery replacement would be difficult. RF also enables one-to-many charging, meaning one Tx can charge many enabled devices in its charging zone. Other applications are home automation sensor networks, TV remotes, electric toothbrushes, headphones and smart watches.

The wireless power technologies from both companies enable more convenient, sustainable, environmentally-friendly, untethered devices and use rechargeable batteries or no batteries at all to eliminate battery e-waste and battery replacement hassles. 

Both companies' transmitters (Tx) send energy to receivers (Rx) that convert it into power, but they differ in strength and transfer distance so fit different applications. Powermat's SmartInductive Tx and Rx must closely align (within eight inches/200mm), but can transfer large amounts of power (5.0 to 600W). Powercast's RF Tx and Rx can transfer power over distance (up to 120 feet/35.5m) delivering lower power levels (from 100s of mW to single digit µW depending on the distance.

The two companies are at Sensors Converge in Santa Clara, California, US (20 to 22 June 2023).

Charles Goetz, CEO of Powercast, believes the partnership offers something that has not been available before. "First, since our partnership covers the entire spectrum of wireless power, customers can ditch researching solutions themselves and relax knowing we'll recommend the best fit for them. Second, whether you're a start-up or Fortune 500, our productisation team can help reduce costs and speed time to market."

Powermat’s IP has been embedded in 800 million smartphones and charging surfaces in eight million cars, and in 40 million devices like robots, e-bikes and IoT and medical devices, adds Kfir Abuhatzira, Powermat's CEO. "But we are excited to be able to expand our services by partnering with Powercast whose dedicated design, engineering and manufacturing division can help customers wanting productisation support," he said.