Seiko Epson Corporation

Epson Develops Non-Contact Power Transmission Module Capable of Transmitting 2.5 W with a 0.8mm Coil

– TOKYO, Japan, September 22, 2008 –

Seiko Epson Corporation ("Epson") today announced it has developed a highly efficient module enabling non-contact power transmission. The company has begun sample shipments of the S4E96400/S4E96401 set, which consists of both primary and secondary coil/control modules, and is priced at $48 US. This product uses Epson technology to allow very high-efficiency (up to 70%) non-contact power transmission. Since all components necessary for non-contact power transmission are built into the module, it is simple to install in devices.

The product is made up of a power transmission module (primary module: S4E96400) and a power receiving module (secondary module: S4E96401). Using these two modules as a set enables transmission of 2.5 W (5 V/500 mA). The flat coil used for power transmission results in a very slim secondary coil unit, just 0.8 mm thick. Electromagnetic shielding fitted to the back of the transmission surface in each module reduces interference with other electronic components contained within the same device.

The module has a wide array of safety features. In-built metal detection (foreign matter detection), secondary detection (ID validation), and automatic cut-off in the event of excess current or abnormal temperature (temperature detection) enable customers to incorporate advanced safety measures for non-contact power transmission into their designs.

Demand for wireless power transmission is growing day by day as new wireless devices evolve. This product solves problems associated with conventional external power supplies using contact terminals, namely contact terminal degradation and insufficient power supply due to bad connections. Customers can also use it for non-contact charging of devices that could previously only be powered by a conventional plug-in power supply. Moreover, the module is highly suited to creating devices with more sophisticated designs, since there is no need for customers to place a power supply terminal on the exterior of their devices.

Moving forward from the 0.5 W output unit already in mass production and this new 2.5 W output unit, Epson plans to continue meeting market needs by using its non-contact power transmission technology to produce an array of module products of varying output levels.

Product specifications

Input voltage	5.0 V ± 0.25 V
Output voltage/current	5.0 V, 500 mA
Positioning margin degree	Horizontal 5 mm, vertical 3.8 mm
Size	(primary coil unit): 55 x 40 x 2.2 mm (primary control module): 40 x 30 x 5.3 mm (secondary coil unit): 45 x 35 x 0.8 mm (secondary control module): 20 x 15 x 1.6 mm

Target applications

• Devices prone to charging deficiencies as a result of power supply terminal degradation or bad connections (waterproof/dustproof/rustproof)
• Devices where safety cannot be assured if power supply terminals are fitted (waterproof/dustproof/rustproof)
• Devices where terminal-free power supply is desired to achieve a more sophisticated design (slim designs).

Sample application: Charging a mobile device