NGK INSULATORS, LTD. (hereinafter, “NGK”) announces that it has further developed its collaboration with Energous Corporation (hereinafter, “Energous”), a leading developer of RF-based charging for wireless power networks for IoT, and e-peas, maker of highly efficient power source IC technology, to spread the use of Wireless Power Transmission/Transfer (WPT) systems. NGK will support the development of edge device manufacturers and others who work on WPT systems by developing and providing IoT devices that combine NGK’s lithium-ion rechargeable battery “EnerCera” with the technology of Energous and e-peas.
WPT is a technology that uses radio frequency to transmit power to remote areas. As society shifts toward IoT, power cables and primary batteries (disposable batteries) have been used to power IoT devices. But wiring and the hassle of replacing batteries were a big issue. WPT is attracting attention as a power supply technology that promotes the realization and spread of maintenance-free IoT devices. It enables power supply edge devices to place where wiring and maintenance presents difficulties.
NGK and Energous initially entered into a partnership in October 2022*1 to develop solutions that combine Energous’ WattUp technology*2 with NGK’s lithium-ion rechargeable EnerCera battery to enable maintenance-free IoT devices. Alongside e-peas, the three companies have now developed a temperature and humidity sensor evaluation kit and are also proposing WPT systems aimed at powering tracking devices used in logistics and other IoT applications such as electronic shelf labels. As part of this efforts, an evaluations kit will be provided to support the development of WPT devices.
This kit can be connected to any type of end-devices in need of energy harvesting technology such as sensors or electronic shelf labels. The EnerCera battery that comes with the kit effectively stores a small amount of energy transmitted through WPT and is capable of releasing an amount of energy large enough to power devices despite being ultra-thin and ultra-small, so it can be used in many kinds of applications.
NGK will continue to collaborate with various partners who possess advanced specialties and help to realize an IoT ecosystem by providing its unique ceramic products such as EnerCera.
About NGK INSULATORS, LTD.
NGK INSULATORS (NGK) is a leading company in the field of ceramics. Since its foundation in 1919, NGK has used its unique ceramic technology to provide numerous ground-breaking products that solve social issues. Today, NGK is active in more than 20 countries worldwide, with business foci including mobility, energy, IoT and industry. As one of the largest manufacturers of ceramic substrates for automotive catalytic converters, NGK is actively reducing the strain on our global environment. Furthermore, NGK’s products include the stationary energy storage system “NAS battery”, in addition to the compact, thin, and high-energy-density lithium-ion rechargeable “EnerCera battery” series, vital tools for sustainable energy infrastructure. Through providing innovative, high-quality products, NGK is committed to contributing to our society. In order to create a future where people can coexist with nature, NGK will continue to develop and provide products that support social infrastructure while preserving the environment. https://www.ngk-insulators.com/en/
About Energous
Energous Corporation (Nasdaq: WATT) is leading the advancement of Wireless Power Networks to meet the growing power demands of today’s devices and tomorrow’s innovations. Its award-winning, RF-based WattUp® technology is the only solution that supports both near field and at-a-distance wireless power, enabling flexible device designs without cumbersome power cables or replaceable batteries. Energous develops silicon-based wireless power transfer (WPT) technologies and customizable reference designs for the expanding ecosystem of devices within industrial and retail IoT, smart homes, smart cities, and medical applications. The company has received the world’s first FCC Part 18 certification for at-a-distance WPT and has been awarded more than 200 patents for its WattUp® technology.
For more information visit www.energous.com
About E-peas
e-peas develops and markets disruptive ultra-low power semiconductor technology. This enables industrial and IoT wireless product designers to substantially extend battery lifespans and eliminate the heavy call-out costs of replacing batteries, without in any way compromising on reliability. Relying on 15 years of research and patented intellectual property, the company’s products increase the amount of harvested energy and drastically reduce the energy consumption of all power consuming blocks within wireless sensor nodes. Headquartered in Ottignies-Louvain-la-Neuve, Belgium, with additional offices in Switzerland and the USA, e-peas offers a portfolio of energy harvesting power management interface ICs, microcontrollers, and sensor solutions.
For more information visit www.e-peas.com