technology q&a
Can't find the answer to your question? Ask our eCoupled™ technology experts.
What is eCoupled™ technology?
eCoupled technology is real, intelligent wireless power. It is the next generation of power delivery worldwide. It is intelligence that moves technology beyond traditional constraints of inductive coupling and wireless power into the next realm.
By leveraging the physics of near-field inductive coupling and combining it with communications and control properties – made available by microprocessor technology – Fulton Innovation builds its advanced intelligence solutions and proprietary algorithms, which are the keys to eCoupled technology and real wireless power.
eCoupled technology eliminates the need for power cords by creating an electromagnetic conduit combined with an intelligent control system that constantly monitors the power flow to insure optimal efficiency and safety.
How did the idea come about?
Fulton’s parent company, Amway Inc., had developed the eSpring™ water purification system, which uses a UV light as part of its treatment. The close proximity of the electrical connections for the UV light and the water being treated created corrosion and shortened lifecycle issues for the UV light. The lead scientists on the Fulton engineering team were brought in to create a solution to these challenges, and eCoupled technology was created. Once this application was perfected, it quickly opened up new opportunities to bring wireless power to other markets.
How does the technology work?
eCoupled technology supplies power and communication through an inductively coupled circuit that dynamically seeks resonance, allowing the power source to adapt its operation to match the needs of the eCoupled-enabled devices it supplies.
The technology overcomes the limitations of spatial rigidity, static loads and unacceptable power losses. It intelligently adapts from multiple loads and spatial configurations while maximizing energy transfer efficiencies (greater than 98% at 120 volts/1.4 kilowatts).
What type of devices can the technology be adapted to?
eCoupled technology can be utilized anywhere power is delivered through traditional power cords or batteries.
Is there a wide range of power/how much power can you supply?
We can provide low, medium and high-power solutions from milliwatts to kilowatts.
What input voltage range (DC) will the primary coil accept?
DC rail voltages have been scaled from 3VDC to 340VDC.
What is the maximum power that the primary coil can provide?
Presently, the technology is transferring over 1,400 watts at greater than 98% at 120 volts/1.4 kilowatts. Further scaling is possible as applications evolve.
How do the products actually get their power – through coils, adapters or batteries?
Basically, a primary coil (power supply) generates a local magnetic field and a secondary coil (built into or adapted to a device) converts that field into electricity.
How do you make sure the power is only supplied when needed?
Through our proprietary algorithms. Every device has a signature that eCoupled technology recognizes and uses as its digital identification to profile the device to make sure that it’s eCoupled-enabled and safe to power. Additionally, our communications allow us to gauge power needs, battery lifecycles and the age of any enabled device to make sure that only the necessary amount of power is being provided, maintaining an optimal powering environment. If a device doesn’t need power, the technology will stop sending power to that device, even if multiple devices are being powered simultaneously.
What effect, if any, will the technology have on the following when charging handheld devices (primarily cell phones and PDAs)?
AM radio – There's a possibility of affecting portions of the AM band. However, with additional filtering, shielding, basic design considerations and positioning, this can certainly be minimized.
FM radio – If the FM radio section has a good IF stage, there shouldn't be any interferences.
Hands-free cell phone operation via Bluetooth – If the Bluetooth radio section has a good IF stage, there shouldn't be any interferences.
Data transfers via 802.11g – If the 802.11 radio section has a good IF stage, there shouldn't be any interferences.
Pace makers – It's believed that eCoupled technology will not interfere with pace makers. However, as with all medical devices, third party validation is required.
Keyless entry systems – Does not impact the designs reviewed to date.
GPS receivers – If the GPS has a good IF stage, there shouldn't be any interferences.
Cards with magnetic strips – A floppy disk has shown no data loss when tested between the primary and receiving coils while transferring 1,000 watts.
Ferrous metals – The engineers behind eCoupled technology have developed multiple solutions and technologies to eliminate the dangers associated with ferrous metals and improve design and manufacturing capabilities.
What does it cost?
There are many embodiments of eCoupled technology, and our partner companies ultimately determine pricing. Please communicate directly with them to discuss their pricing structures. We can say that Fulton Innovation’s royalty structure will not be an inhibiting factor.
How soon will this be in products? When can I buy wireless power devices?
Our partners will ultimately decide the launch dates for their eCoupled-enabled products. Please communicate directly with them to confirm their product launch timelines. We can confirm that the first eCoupled-enabled products are coming to market in 2009.
Who are your partners?
Our growing list of partners includes Motorola, Leggett & Platt, Energizer, Bosch, Texas Instruments, Universal Electronics, Herman Miller and the Wireless Power Consortium.
Can cell phones be charged on an eCoupled surface in the kitchen that also powers a blender?
The technology is certainly capable of providing for that need. We are working with our partners to develop interoperable and portable solutions that will create increasingly greater levels of convenience for consumers worldwide, and you can expect this issue to be addressed in the near future.
What does eCoupled technology mean for consumers?
Consumers who have been irritated by wires, cords and chargers can now look forward to total freedom by charging their devices wirelessly.
In what ways can manufacturers benefit from implementing eCoupled technology?
Manufacturers can benefit from increased product safety & performance, product differentiation, lower production costs and lower warranty costs. Consumer demand for the elimination of power cords and charging problems is immense.
What level of "future proofing" does the design of the primary coil offer; i.e., will an existing primary coil be able to wirelessly charge handheld devices that become available two years from now provided they have a secondary coil?
Designs have been developed to incorporate standards and design flexibility that would allow the design to be very versatile over an extended period of time.
Does Fulton Innovation plan to manufacture eCoupled-enabled devices or the supporting componentry?
Currently, Fulton Innovation is working with a number of manufacturing sources and will provide recommendations to our strategic partners.
How does the adaptive inductive power circuit handle simultaneous charging of multiple handheld devices with different charging requirements?
Fulton Innovation engineers have developed several proprietary solutions for simple to very complex charging challenges.
How will eCoupled technology affect the pricing of products?
eCoupled technology provides a low cost method to implement wireless power. Ultimate pricing will depend on specific features and benefits and will be determined by the manufacturers who license eCoupled technology.
What devices and industries can benefit from the technology?
Any product that requires power can utilize eCoupled technology, from common consumer electronics devices such as cellular phones, digital music players and PDAs, to medical devices, power tools, office electronics and kitchen appliances.
Can eCoupled technology transfer data?
Fulton Innovation has integrated low-cost modulation into the circuit enabling the primary and eCoupled-enabled device to wirelessly transfer data at rates of up to 1.1 Mbps.
