Qi2 MPP-Compliant In-Cabin Wireless Charging Unveiled

Indie Semiconductor has introduced a cutting-edge automotive 15W wireless charging system-on-chip (SoC) designed specifically for in-cabin applications. The iND87204 wireless charging controller is fully compliant with the Wireless Power Consortium’s (WPC) Qi 2.0 technical standard and incorporates support for the new Magnetic Power Profile (MPP) feature, also known as Qi2.

This new Qi2 technology enhances in-cabin wireless charging by aligning devices magnetically with inductive charger coils, resulting in more energy-efficient, reliable, and convenient charging. The SoC boasts multiple ARM Cortex cores, including an M4F for application and an M0 for WPC stack processing, in addition to various in-vehicle serial interfaces, power management capabilities, DC-DC conversion, signal conditioning, WPC inverter drivers, power FETs, and peripheral drivers.

Featuring an integrated buck regulator that generates all necessary bias voltages, an integrated boost regulator, 2MB of flash memory, and NTC temperature monitoring, the SoC enables a fully Qi2-compliant wireless charging solution capable of delivering up to 15W of power.

With the introduction of the iND87204, indie Semiconductor has unveiled the first reference design for Qi2 wireless charging, setting a new standard in the automotive industry. The WPC’s latest standard, incorporating the MPP capability, is expected to drive increased demand for automotive wireless charging due to its enhanced charging reliability, ensuring that portable devices remain optimally positioned regardless of the vehicle's motion.

The global market for in-car automotive wireless chargers is projected to reach $13.6 billion by the end of 2034, with a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 21.9% from 2024. Fred Jarrar, vice president and general manager of indie Semiconductor's Power and ASIC Business Unit, emphasized the importance of meeting consumer demands for seamless, rapid, and reliable portable device charging experiences in vehicles.

According to Jarrar, the iND87204 builds upon the success of the company's previous wireless charging solutions, offering the industry's highest level of component integration for a Qi2 MPP-compliant SoC design. This innovative chip reduces the implementation footprint and external bill-of-materials by up to 50% compared to existing solutions, providing a more efficient and cost-effective solution for automotive manufacturers.

Indie Semiconductor is currently sampling the iND87204 with lead customers and plans to release it for production in the fourth quarter of 2024. The SoC will be fully qualified to AEC-Q100 Grade 2 standards, ensuring its reliability and performance in automotive applications. With its advanced features and high level of integration, the iND87204 is poised to accelerate the adoption of Qi2-based automotive charging systems and enhance the in-cabin experience for consumers.