Powercast, a pioneer in long distancing wireless charging technology using RF energy, has joined hands with Liquid X, manufacturer of metallic links.
The joint venture for smart textiles will enable apparel manufacturers to integrate wireless power functionality into e-textiles.
The Liquid X’s proprietary ink technology allows manufacturers to print circuit directly into garment and add Powercast’s wireless power technology that enables the wireless charging of the battery integrated into the garment.
These are completely washable and do not need to be detached from the garments for washing.
This feature is unique as most of the smart garments require the users to detach the battery before washing.
The battery is wirelessly charged as the Powercast RF transmitter transmits RF energy over the air to the RF receiver, which is integrated into the garment. It then converts to direct current (DC) to charge the battery.
The garment manufacturing process involves printing of circuitry on the fabrics using Liquid X’s proprietary particle-free ink, including Powercast’s RF wireless receiving antenna.
Then the Powercast’s Powerharvester RF wireless power receiver chip, a battery and other components are mounted onto the printed traces.
Lastly, an encapsulant provides a high strength waterproof bond to seal in all of the electronics.
The development was displayed in the CES in January 2020.
