In-Vehicle Qi-Compliant Inductive Wireless Charging Solutions: A Review

In-vehicle wireless charging systems are becoming increasingly popular in modern vehicles, providing a convenient and efficient way to recharge electronic devices while on the move. This article aims to provide an overview of the standard applied for wireless chargers in these systems, as well as the various inductive wireless power transfer methods used. It covers the design of transmitter and receiver circuits, including key design topologies such as coil selection, compensation methods, and quality factor, and explores the importance of choosing the most optimal methods and parameters for efficient and safe wireless charger design. The paper also highlights the crucial role of the Qi standard in ensuring compatibility and interoperability between different wireless charging devices, as well as the importance of prioritizing efficiency and security in the design of in-vehicle wireless charging systems. In particular, it examines two security solutions that are commonly used in these systems: Near Field Communication (NFC) and Foreign Object Detection (FOD). NFC technology allows two electronic devices, such as a smartphone and an in-vehicle wireless charger, to communicate with each other when they are nearby. This can help ensure that only authorized devices can access the wireless charger, preventing unauthorized access and ensuring safe and secure wireless charging. FOD technology, on the other hand, detects foreign objects that may be in the proximity of the wireless charger, such as metal objects or coins, and prevents the charger from operating if it detects such objects. This helps to prevent damage to the charger, or the electronic device being charged. Overall, this paper emphasizes the necessity and importance of developing efficient and secure in-vehicle wireless charging systems that comply with the Qi standard and incorporate NFC and FOD technologies to ensure reliable and convenient charging for modern vehicles.