Approval demonstrates GRL's commitment to enabling comprehensive testing across various Qi Wireless Charging power profiles for both devices and transmitters.
Granite River Labs (“GRL”), a global leader in engineering services, automated test solutions for digital connectivity and charging technologies, and professional market access services, has been approved by the Wireless Power Consortium (WPC) Board of Directors for use of the GRL-C3-TPR EPP Receiver Test Tool at WPC Authorized Test Labs (ATLs). This approval allows ATLs to utilize both the GRL Transmitter (GRL-C3-MP-TPR) and Receiver (GRL-C3-TPT) tools for Qi version 2.1 testing across all power profiles, including Baseline Power Profile (BPP), Extended Power Profile (EPP), and Magnetic Power Profile (MPP). Additionally, the GRL-C3-TPT tool will enable precise testing and certification of smartphones to meet Qi specification versions 2.0.1 and 2.1.
This development provides wireless charging testing support to OEMs as manufacturers gear up for alternative charging methods amid the implementation of the new European Union Common Charger Directive. GRL’s test solution enables Qi product developers to meet all compliance testing needs and LQK measurement requirements of the Qi2.1 specification, providing reliable foreign object detection to ensure safe wireless charging.
As of 2024, the global Qi wireless charging market is estimated to be valued at US$6.4 billion, and is anticipated to grow at a CAGR of 20.3%, reaching US$ 16 billion by 2029. Wireless charging applications are also expanding into new mobile phone and Automotive Electric Vehicle (EV) markets as regulatory and business environments move towards standardization and sustainability.
About Extended Power Profile (EPP) and Qi v2.1
EPP is a key component of the Qi wireless power standard, enabling up to 15W of power transfer between compatible devices. This faster, more efficient charging profile adheres to strict safety measures, making it the choice standard among modern smartphones.
Qi v2.1 brings new features such as the MCPE/MCPM magnetic covers and moving coil EPP/MPP PTx, taking transmitter and receiver alignment to the next stage by enabling transmitter positioning flexibility. The Qi v2.1 standard is expected to boost both the wireless charging and the phone accessory market.
Expanded role in wireless charging
The GRL-C3-TPT tool was originally approved for certifying the Basic Power Profile (BPP) and the Magnetic Power Profile (MPP) under Qi specification version 2.0.1. In addition, both GRL-C3-TPR and GRL-C3-MPP-TPR tools have also been approved to certify Qi2 BPP, EPP, and MPP power profile transmitters. The newly added EPP certification capabilities have expanded the tool's role in guaranteeing compatibility and reliability within the wireless charging ecosystem.
"This approval underscores GRL’s commitment to providing affordable, reliable, high precision test solutions for the Qi ecosystem,” said GRL Executive Vice President of Protocol and Power Solutions, Rajaraman Venkatachalam. “With our tools now available for all power profile testing, Authorized Test Labs can confidently offer comprehensive testing services across the entire Qi specification."
GRL Chief Strategy Officer, Vamshi Kandalla, added, “As one of the leading contributing member of the Wireless Power Consortium, I’m excited to witness the expansion of our wireless charging portfolio as the Qi ecosystem continues to grow worldwide with rapid adoption across the fast growing mobile, peripherals and automotive markets."
“As Qi moves into the 2.1 era, WPC is excited to expand wireless charging capabilities to a wider range of applications devices,” said Paul Struhsaker, Executive Director of Wireless Power Consortium. “With over 350 member companies, we’re proud to have the world leading experts contributing towards achieving our vision in sustainability and accessibility.”
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References
1. Wireless Charging Market Size, Share, Industry Report, Revenue Trends and Growth Drivers 2032
