News

Fulton Innovation and its Partners Debut Technology That Enables Intelligent Wireless Power Transfer (8/1/2007)

The 2007 International Consumer Electronics Show (CES), the world's largest annual tradeshow for consumer technology, will serve as the public debut of eCoupled(TM), a revolutionary new technology that allows for the transmission of power and data without the traditional restraints of cords and ports.

eCoupled technology is powering a new ecosystem of consumer devices that can be powered and charged without wires. Portable electronic devices become truly wireless. Devices can easily travel from home to auto to office eliminating the need for cords and physical power connections. Fulton Innovation, Visteon, Motorola, Herman Miller and Mobility Electronics are working jointly to commercialize solutions in the portable consumer electronics arena.

How eCoupled Intelligent Wireless Power Works

eCoupled technology leverages inductive coupling, which works by transferring energy from one device to another through a shared magnetic field. The technology stems from the foundational work of renowned scientists Michael Faraday and Nikola Tesla.

Fulton Innovation's intelligent inductive power technology overcomes historic limitations of inductive coupling by using resonance-seeking circuitry that dynamically seeks and optimizes power transfer under multiple, varying load conditions and spatial configurations.

Conventional inductive coupling typically requires careful "tuning" of the power supply circuit with the device being powered. Only minor variations in the physical positioning and power requirements of the inductively powered are tolerated. Any variation in either the load or the positioning of the power supply relative to the device can severely impact performance.

eCoupled technology addresses the limitations of spatial rigidity, static loads and unacceptable power losses. The eCoupled technology power supplies adapt to multiple loads and spatial configurations while maximizing energy transfer efficiencies by dynamically seeking resonance between the power supply and device at high frequencies to achieve the optimal coupling coefficient under all conditions. Energy efficiency is increased over conventional inductive coupling with power losses as low as 2 percent, making eCoupled technology comparable to hardwired connections.

eCoupled technology includes an intelligent feedback and control system, communicating with individual devices in real time, which allows the technology to determine not only power needs, but also factors such as age of a battery or device and charging lifecycles on an individual basis in order to supply the optimal amount of power to keep a device at peak efficiency.

Industry Leaders Poised to Free Consumers from Problematic Cords and Chargers

Power cords and chargers have been the bane of consumer devices for years, with bulky cords and cables contributing to office and home clutter and presenting a potential safety hazard. Difficulties in charging devices result in lost business and social opportunities. For manufacturers, cords and chargers are a primary source of product failure and customer complaints. Fulton Innovation is poised to solve all of these problems through its novel eCoupled intelligent wireless power technology.

"We believe eCoupled technology will set a revolutionary new standard for Intelligent Wireless Power transfer anywhere traditional power needs exist." said David Hazlett, Fulton Innovation's Director of Business Development."

In addition to making this technology available in consumer devices, Fulton Innovation is currently seeking partners in other areas, including medical devices, power supplies, office electronics and kitchen appliances. Any product that uses power is a candidate for eCoupled technology.

www.ecoupled.com