Two wireless charging alliances join forces

Fremont, California, and Houston, Texas, February 11th , 2014 – The Alliance for Wireless Power (A4WP) and Power Matters Alliance (PMA) today announced that the two associations have signed an agreement aimed at establishing global interoperability of these two leading wireless power standards. The PMA is a leader in inductive wireless charging technology with installations in many popular venues including select Starbucks and McDonalds stores, and has developed an Open Network API capable of transforming individual charging spots into a smart, manageable, global wireless power network. A4WP, the de facto standard for resonant wireless charging, has developed the only industry sponsored magnetic resonance technical specification and is supported by a global product certification program under the Rezence™ brand.

This agreement establishes a clear path for industry consolidation by harmonizing technical standards that deliver interoperability and streamline next-generation wireless charging.

The agreement calls for the following immediate next steps:
· PMA adopts the A4WP Rezence specification as the PMA magnetic resonance charging specification for both transmitters and receivers in both single and multi-mode configurations

· A4WP adopts the PMA inductive specification as a supported option for multi-mode inductive, magnetic resonance implementations

· A4WP to collaborate with PMA on their open network API for network services management

“This announcement delivers a compelling message for the industry to commit and deliver wireless charging devices now. Between the organizations, A4WP and PMA membership consists of the key players necessary to drive industry consolidation and establish a commercially viable globally interoperable wireless charging ecosystem,” said Kamil Grajski, President, Alliance for Wireless Power.

Board members from A4WP and PMA represent a cross section of industry leaders who unanimously voted to approve the agreement. Voting members included Broadcom, Gill Electronics, IDT, Intel, Qualcomm, Samsung Electronics and Samsung Electro-Mechanics from A4WP; and Starbucks, Procter & Gamble, and Powermat Technologies from PMA.

“We have listened and acted very deliberately to the overwhelming voice of the industry to simplify rollout of wireless charging technology and bring more alignment within the ecosystem. These two organizations are taking the necessary steps to get the job done.” said Ron Resnick, President, Power Matters Alliance. “Combining the standards from A4WP and PMA offer the best choices of core technologies and managed network services, delivering to consumers a seamless, easy-to-use and convenient wireless charging user experience”

“The combined global market for wireless power receivers and transmitters is expected to rise to 1.7 billion unit shipments in 2023, up from about 25 million in 2013,” said Ryan Sanderson, associate director, power supply & storage components at IHS Technology (NYSE: IHS). “This liaison agreement serves to accelerate an interoperable wireless charging ecosystem seen as critical to the broad adoption by consumers.”

This agreement demonstrates the commitment between the two organizations to drive momentum toward an interoperable global wireless power standard. It establishes the goal to create a commercially viable wireless charging ecosystem that delivers a true drop and go charging experience for the consumer. The A4WP and PMA are leading this global initiative.