Dialog Semiconductor has announced another strategic investment in Energous Corporation, the developer of WattUp, a revolutionary wire-free charging technology that provides over-the-air power and charging of electronic devices at a distance. They will invest another $15 Million in Energous.
Dialog began its partnership with Energous in November 2016 with the announcement of a $10 million investment and entry into an exclusive component supplier agreement for Energous’ WattUp ICs. Since then, the two companies have launched the DA4100, the world’s first WattUp wireless power transmitter System-on-Chip (SoC). This SoC has been integrated along with Dialog’s SmartBond Bluetooth low energy (BLE) DA14681 chip to form the heart of the FCC-approved WattUp near field transmitter system. On the receiver side, Dialog completed the qualification of two RF-to-DC receiver ICs developed by Energous, DA2200 and DA2210, which, along with Dialog’s DA14585 BLE chip, make it quick and easy to add WattUp wireless charging to a wide range of devices, including smartphones, wearables and hearables.
Because Energous’ WattUp technology sends energy safely through the air using radio frequencies, it is able to deliver intelligent, scalable power, creating a superior experience compared to coil-based technologies. It differs from older wireless charging systems in that it delivers power at distances of up to 15 feet, to multiple devices, in any orientation. Its small form factor antennas utilize the existing device’s printed circuit board, removing the need for larger, more expensive coils and enabling broader adoption of wireless charging in a larger range of connected devices that can be used in the home, office, car and beyond.
