Toshiba has launched a new wireless power receiver IC that will enable mobile devices to be charged wirelessly as fast as if they were connected to the charger via a cable. The new TC7764WBG supports a maximum power output of 5 Watts and is compliant with the Qi standard’s low power specification V.1.1.2, defined by the Wireless Power Consortium (WPC).

Wireless power transfer allows adoption of a fully insulated case free of exposed charging ports, an advantage that is stimulating demand for waterproof and dustproof portable products, such as smartphones and tablets. However, wireless charging has not always been as fast as charging by cable.

To overcome this difference, Toshiba has optimised the circuit design of the TC7764WBG so that maximum output power is increased to 5 Watts and a maximum power conversion efficiency of 95% is achieved. This enables mobile devices to be charged wirelessly as fast as if they were connected to a cable charger.

To ensure mobile device safety, the IC integrates a Qi protocol authentication circuit for power transfers, foreign object detection functions, under-voltage lockout (UVLO) and over-voltage lockout (OVLO) functions for the external power supply bypass option as well as thermal shutdown functions (TSD).

The IC is housed in a WCSP28 package measuring just 2.4mm by 3.67mm by 0.5mm.

Net loss for Toshiba

In related news, Toshiba is expected to report a net loss for the last fiscal year and also revise down its fiscal 2011/12 earnings to a loss following an investigation into its accounting practices, the Nikkei business daily reported.

The loss for the fiscal year to March 2015 will come as Toshiba takes 100 billion yen ($804 million) in impairment charges to reflect weakness in its Westinghouse nuclear business as well as its semiconductor and appliances units, the Nikkei said, citing unidentified company sources.

Toshiba said the Nikkei report was not based on anything it had announced.