Broadcom Corp. released a new multi-standard wireless charging solution this week called the Broadcom BCM59350 multi-standard smartphone power-management unit (PMU).
The charging solution uses Rezence technology to give users "drop-and-go" abilities while charging different devices on charging pads that they can build into furniture, according to PC Magazine.
The chip-making company said mobile device makers have more flexibility to choose between wireless charging specifications because the new PMU supports specs from the Power Matters Alliance (PMA), Alliance for Wireless Power (A4WP) and Wireless Power Consortium (WPC).
Broadcom added that the PMU can charge devices faster than standard wireless USB chargers. The BCM59350 also includes a "Boost Mode", which can charge a device even with 50 percent less voltage than what is preferred, PC Magazine reported.
"Available today, Broadcom's new wireless charging technology enables device manufacturers to build multi-standard wireless power receivers, alleviating consumer confusion, and driving the benefits of Rezence technology into mainstream," said Reinier van der Lee, Mobile Platforms product director for Broadcom. "Broadcom delivers the complete package - interoperable wireless charging, leading mobile connectivity, and WICED Smart technology for charging pads, simplifying the development process and enabling a fully interoperable ecosystem to our customers."
Ryan Sanderson, IHS Technology Associate Director, Power Supply & Storage Components, said demand for wireless charging will increase dramatically over the next five years, The Wall Street Journal reported.
"IHS forecasts the number of devices shipped annually that are enabled to charge wirelessly to increase over $50 million in 2014 and accelerate to $900 million in 2018. This is projected to drive a combined market for wireless power receivers and transmitters worth $8.5 billion in 2018," Sanderson said.
The charging unit is designed to work with Broadcom's Wireless Internet Connectivity for Embedded Devices (WICED) chips. It provides Wi-Fi and Bluetooth for smartphones, tablets, and Internet-of-Things (IoT) devices, PC Magazine reported.
Van der Lee said that the company is promoting charging solutions to travel, hospitality, retail and other companies looking to offer customers device charging as part of rewards plans, or for free to increase customer loyalty.
Broadcom said it is currently sampling the BCM59350 to "select partners."
