• Receiving coil unit employs a TDK proprietary flexible thin metal magnetic sheet, achieving an industry-leading thickness of only 0.57 mm. Development of a 0.50 mm type has also started.

July 9, 2012

TDK Corporation is proud to announce the development of a TDK wireless power transfer coil unit designed for Smartphones and other mobile devices. The receiving coil designed for integration in Smartphones and similar represents an industry-leading achievement, featuring a thickness of a mere 0.57 mm.

The development reflects TDK's extensive expertise in fields such as magnetic materials technology and process technology, and involved the creation of a unique, extremely thin and flexible metal magnetic sheet. As a result, the coil unit not only is ultra thin and lightweight, it also is highly resistant to shock and therefore provides excellent reliability. Furthermore, in spite of its 0.57 mm profile, the coil's design minimizes the tendency towards rising resistance and achieves a power transfer efficiency that allows clearing the requirements of the WPC "Qi" standard. The low height of the unit is a key aspect for use in Smartphones. At this point, output current is on the order of 0.5 to 0.6 Amperes, but an even thinner 0.50 mm type with equal or better output current is already in development, with a view towards starting mass production in 2013.

As Smartphones incorporate more and more functions, their power consumption also tends to increase, making charging of the battery a more frequent requirement. With the aim of establishing an infrastructure environment that allows easy charging anywhere at any time, the WPC and other promotional organizations are working towards the standardization of wireless power transfer. To contribute to these efforts and meet the expected rise in demand in the near future, TDK is developing and offering products that reflect its extensive know-how in a number of relevant fields. This includes magnetic materials technology and process technology, winding pattern technology expertise gained through the manufacture of a wide range of various kinds of coils, as well as magnetic circuit design technology.

EMC countermeasure is another area where TDK excels, and we also aim to offer technology solutions that comprise EMC countermeasure and minimize the influence on reception sensitivity.

Glossary

• WPC: Wireless Power Consortium

Main applications

• Chargers for Smartphones, Digital cameras, Bluetooth headsets, and similar devices

Main features and benefits

• Receiving coil unit features industry-leading low profile of only 0.57 mm, made possible by proprietary flexible thin metal magnetic sheet and coil that minimizes resistance increase.

About TDK Corporation

TDK Corporation is a leading electronics company based in Tokyo, Japan. It was established in 1935 to commercialize ferrite, a key material in electronic and magnetic products. TDK's current product line includes passive components, magnetic application products as well as energy devices, flash memory application devices, and others. TDK today focuses on demanding markets in the areas of information and communication technology and consumer, automotive and industrial electronics. The company has a network of design and manufacturing locations and sales offices in Asia, Europe, and in North and South America. In fiscal 2012, TDK posted total sales of USD 9.9 billion and employed about 79,000 people worldwide.

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