The wireless high-frequency (HF) Wireless Power Tester developed by Rohde & Schwarz offers an innovative solution for powering wireless communication devices. With features for test automation and a user-friendly web interface, this tester supports the HF standard of the AirFuel Alliance and enables contactless power transfer via HF waves. This article highlights the advantages of this technology and the importance of wireless power transmission in various application areas.
Rohde & Schwarz Introduces Revolutionary Wireless Power Testing Solution
The increasing demand for innovative solutions to power wireless communication devices stems from the projected surge in the number of these devices surpassing 29 billion by 2030. Traditional methods such as manual recharging or battery replacement are impractical and costly. Rohde & Schwarz’s HF-Wireless Power Tester presents a promising alternative by enabling devices to be powered wirelessly through the conversion of HF signals into DC power.
The wireless power transfer using HF waves enables the simultaneous powering of multiple devices at a distance of several meters. This eliminates the need for cables and the hassle of battery replacement. This technology is particularly significant for low-power IoT devices. Within a smart building or vehicle, numerous sensors can be powered without the need for manual maintenance or battery changes. This not only provides convenience but also offers important environmental benefits by enabling the use of batteryless devices and reducing environmental impact.
Rohde & Schwarz is actively involved in the development of the standardized wireless HF charging technology, AirFuel RF, and supports the AirFuel Alliance Conformance Test Specification for HF charging. The WPT system consists of various components such as the HF and microwave signal generator R&S SMB100B, the signal and spectrum analyzer R&S FSV3000, the R&S NGU Source Measure Unit (SMU) as a battery emulator, and digital multimeters R&S HMC8012. The entire system can be controlled and automated through a user-friendly web interface.
Dr.-Ing. Rania Morsi, head of the WPT project at Rohde & Schwarz, emphasizes the significance of wireless HF power transmission for connected IoT devices. She notes that many of these devices are still manually powered, despite the possibility of wireless energy transfer through the air interface. The wireless HF-Wireless Power Tester provides a maintenance-free solution and can simultaneously power multiple devices flexibly, even while they are in use or being moved. Rohde & Schwarz’s test solution is expected to accelerate the adoption of this technology.
Dr. Sanjay Gupta, President and Chairman of the AirFuel Alliance, expresses gratitude towards Rohde & Schwarz for developing the Wireless Power Tester (WPT) and emphasizes its importance for conformity with the AirFuel HF standard. The WPT will assist companies in bringing interoperable wireless HF power supply solutions to the market.
The wireless HF-Wireless Power Tester developed by Rohde & Schwarz provides a promising solution for powering wireless communication devices. By enabling wireless energy transfer through HF waves, it allows for contactless and efficient power supply to devices without the need for manual maintenance or battery replacement. With this tester, Rohde & Schwarz is actively supporting the development of standardized wireless HF charging technology and contributing to the acceleration of its adoption.
