News & Analysis
Comment
Robotics Developer
Considering that most wireless devices need to be powered, it makes sense to ...
PaDesigner
Well, Qualcomm isn't the only high -tech firm diversifying to energy sector. I ...
Qualcomm acquires wireless EV charging firm
11/8/2011 12:20 PM EST
SAN FRANCISCO—Qualcomm Inc. announced Tuesday (Nov. 8) it has acquired substantially all of the technology and other assets of HaloIPT, a provider of wireless charging technology for electric road vehicles. Financial terms of the deal were not disclosed.
All members of the HaloIPT team have joined Qualcomm's European Innovation Development group based in the U.K., Qualcomm (San Diego, Calif.) said.
"Building on 20 years of development and innovation in wireless power at the University of Auckland and its commercialization company Auckland UniServices Ltd., the HaloIPT team, in a relatively short period of time, had established itself as a leading developer in wireless electric road vehicle charging—with HaloIPT winning industry acclamation and awards," said Andrew Gilbert, executive vice president of European Innovation Development for Qualcomm, in a statement.
Last month, HaloIPT announced it was recognized by the New Zealand Innovation Awards with wins in two categories, Emerging Innovator and Design & Engineering Innovation.
According to HaloIPT's website, the company's wireless charging technology is based on a technology called inductive power transfer, or IPT for short. In this technology, the power supply takes electrical power from the mains supply and energizes a lumped coil, with a current typically in the range 5-125A, according to the site. The coil is inductive, which means that compensation using series or parallel capacitors may be required to reduce the working voltages and currents in the supply circuitry, according to the site.
According to John Miles, executive chairman at HaloIPT, over the past 18 months the company has brought university research in wireless charging to the attention of the global automotive industry and demonstrated its potential to several of the world's leading OEMs. "This has been a terrific achievement," Miles said.
In addition to the HaloIPT transaction, Qualcomm and Auckland UniServices, the commercialization company of the University of Auckland, have signed a long-term R&D deal to promote continued innovation in the field of wireless charging for electric road vehicles by way of inductive power transfer, Qualcomm said.
All members of the HaloIPT team have joined Qualcomm's European Innovation Development group based in the U.K., Qualcomm (San Diego, Calif.) said.
"Building on 20 years of development and innovation in wireless power at the University of Auckland and its commercialization company Auckland UniServices Ltd., the HaloIPT team, in a relatively short period of time, had established itself as a leading developer in wireless electric road vehicle charging—with HaloIPT winning industry acclamation and awards," said Andrew Gilbert, executive vice president of European Innovation Development for Qualcomm, in a statement.
Last month, HaloIPT announced it was recognized by the New Zealand Innovation Awards with wins in two categories, Emerging Innovator and Design & Engineering Innovation.
According to HaloIPT's website, the company's wireless charging technology is based on a technology called inductive power transfer, or IPT for short. In this technology, the power supply takes electrical power from the mains supply and energizes a lumped coil, with a current typically in the range 5-125A, according to the site. The coil is inductive, which means that compensation using series or parallel capacitors may be required to reduce the working voltages and currents in the supply circuitry, according to the site.
According to John Miles, executive chairman at HaloIPT, over the past 18 months the company has brought university research in wireless charging to the attention of the global automotive industry and demonstrated its potential to several of the world's leading OEMs. "This has been a terrific achievement," Miles said.
In addition to the HaloIPT transaction, Qualcomm and Auckland UniServices, the commercialization company of the University of Auckland, have signed a long-term R&D deal to promote continued innovation in the field of wireless charging for electric road vehicles by way of inductive power transfer, Qualcomm said.
|
|
|
|
|
Navigate to related information
Luis Sanchez
11/8/2011 5:33 PM EST
This is a little strange considering that Qualcomm is a communications company and not a power company.
What will qualcomm be up to now?
Sign in to Reply
PJames
11/8/2011 7:17 PM EST
I'll just do some surfing on my Mirasol enabled tablet to see how successful they've been outside their area of core competency... or perhaps see if there is some relevant coverage on Flo TV.
Sign in to Reply
PaDesigner
11/9/2011 6:10 AM EST
Well, Qualcomm isn't the only high -tech firm diversifying to energy sector. I think, its wireless portfolio will boost HaloIPT.
Sign in to Reply
GREAT-Terry
11/8/2011 8:28 PM EST
Moving towards energy industry seems very ambitious. A very long term plan is necessary so I have excited to see the commitment from Qualcomm. This company is moving so fast! From a small company selling IP, to a chip vendor and now moving towards a whole new system level in another industry. Good luck!
Sign in to Reply
Robotics Developer
11/10/2011 3:27 PM EST
Considering that most wireless devices need to be powered, it makes sense to invest in an emerging technology that provides wireless power. I could see many applications: cellphone/tablet/car charging on major highways (for a fee of course). Perhaps, in the conference rooms at companies and universities/colleges there would be power available for those in attendance. Some interesting possibilities to think about..
Sign in to Reply