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=====Introduction of the Qi standard=====

====What is Qi====

The Qi (pronounced chee) standard is a [[overview_of_wireless_power_transfer|inductive power transfer (IPT)]] technology. The standard is developed for smartphones and other mobile devices. Therefore, Qi is considered a low-power and static WPT charging standard. Transmitter and receiver are placed in **close proximity** to each other (mm-cm). This close coupling is essential for maximising efficiency. To further enhance efficiency, the Qi standard incorporates **technology-specific features**. These features are discussed in detail later in this article. Today, there are more than **11,000 Qi Certified products** on the market (Qi Wireless Charging, n.d.).
====Who are the developers====

The Qi standard was developed by the **Wireless Power Consortium (WPC)** and was first introduced in July 2010 with Version 1.0. WPC is an open standards development group that collaborates with electronics and technology companies. Today, the consortium consists of over 300 member companies worldwide, including major technology firms such as **Apple, Samsung, Google, and Meta** (Membership Directory, n.d.; Qi2’s Wireless Charging Benefits Spurring Continued Expansion Consumers’ Appetite for Wireless Charging Devices Fueling Demand, n.d., p. 2).

====Previous versions====

The Qi standard has been updated several times over the years to improve performance, compatibility, and efficiency. A brief summary of the change in technology is given:

In 2010 the WPC launched **Qi Version 1.0**. This version supported three transmitter types: **single coil, coil arrays, and moving coils**. The coils allowed power transmission of up to **5W**. However, its design flexibility was limited, meaning manufacturers could only optimise charging performance by tweaking receiver designs rather than the transmitters themselves.

Two years later, **Qi Version 1.1** expanded the standard by introducing 12 transmitter types. This gave manufacturers more room for innovation. This version also improved **[[start|Foreign Object Detection (FOD)]]**. Another key upgrade was the ability to power Qi transmitters using USB chargers.

The release of **Qi Version 1.2** in 2015 marked a significant step forward. The introduction of the **Extended Power Profile (EPP)** increased charging speeds to **15W**. This version also included thermal testing to improve heat management and **unique IDs for power receivers**, hence boosting efficiency and compatibility.

By 2021, **Qi Version 1.3** further enhanced the standard by focusing on **security**. One of the major improvements was **authentication features**, ensuring safer and more reliable wireless charging.

In 2023, WPC unveiled **Qi2**, a next-generation standard featuring the **[[start|Magnetic Power Profile (MPP)]]**. Inspired by Apple's MagSafe technology, it introduces magnetic alignment of the transmitter and receiver. This increases charging efficiency and user-friendliness. To ensure **compatibility** with earlier Qi devices, traditional BPP and EPP were updated with Qi2.

(Evolution of Qi Wireless Charging Standard & What’s New With Qi2, n.d.; History of the Qi Specifications, n.d.)
====Key advantages====

All previous improvements of the Qi standard resulted in several key advantages. The updated list of these **technology-specific features** are:
  * [[power_transfer_architecture_of_the_qi_standard|Transmitter can deliver up to 15W]]
  * Operating frequency of 360kHz
  * [[start|Magnetic Power Profile (MPP)]]
  * [[start|Foreign Object Detection (FOD)]]
  * Universal compatibility
  * [[start|Bidirectional in-band communication]]

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<color #808080>**References**</color>
  * <color #808080>Evolution of Qi Wireless Charging Standard & What’s New With Qi2. (n.d.). Https://Www.Graniteriverlabs.Com/En-Us/Technical-Blog/Qi2-Wireless-Charging-Standards-Evolution.</color>
  * <color #808080>History of the Qi Specifications. (n.d.). Https://Www.Wirelesspowerconsortium.Com/Knowledge-Base/Specifications/History-of-the-Qi-Specifications/.</color>
  * <color #808080>Membership Directory. (n.d.). Https://Www.Wirelesspowerconsortium.Com/Membership-Directory-Bak/.</color>
  * <color #808080>Qi Wireless charging. (n.d.). Https://Www.Wirelesspowerconsortium.Com/Standards/Qi-Wireless-Charging/.</color>

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