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WHAT IS ECOUPLED TECHNOLOGY?
Coupled™ technology is real, INTELLIGENT wireless power. It is the next generation of power delivery worldwide. It is intelligence that moves technology beyond traditional constraints of inductive coupling and wireless power into the next realm.
By leveraging the physics of near-field inductive coupling and combining it with communications and control properties – made available by microprocessor technology – Fulton Innovation builds its advanced intelligence solutions and proprietary algorithms, which are the keys to eCoupled technology and real wireless power.
Power is a current which takes the path of least resistance when broadcast across an open space – unless it is controlled. Traditional power cords serve as physical channels for power to travel through, controlling the path of the energy. eCoupled technology eliminates the need for power cords by creating an electromagnetic conduit combined with an intelligent control system that constantly monitors the power flow to insure optimal efficiency and safety.
WHAT IS ECOUPLED TECHNOLOGY?
The intelligence of eCoupled technology allows it to dynamically seek resonance and optimize power transfers at high efficiencies (greater than 98% at 120 volts/1.4 kilowatts) under multiple, varying spatial configurations and load conditions – from low-power to high-power applications. Power and data can now be efficiently transmitted to virtually any electrical device without the constraints of cords, connectors or contact points. And the solution can be either adaptive or integrated. This means that different devices from different brands requiring different power needs can share a single power source creating a truly interoperable solution at energy costs comparable to hard-wired connections.
Through its advanced identification protocol, eCoupled technology adapts its operation to match the needs of each device it powers by communicating with it in real time. It assesses and determines not only power needs but also factors in battery or device age and charging lifecycles. It provides only the necessary power needed to keep a device at peak efficiency.
Additionally, eCoupled technology authenticates any device within range. If a device or object is not immediately recognized as eCoupled compatible, the power source will not supply power to it, maintaining a safe operating environment. eCoupled technology has been validated by standards organizations in 36 countries for safety, electromagnetic compatibility (noise) and other international performance criteria.
FEATURES & BENEFITS
DYNAMIC CONTROL AND INTEROPERABILITY
eCoupled™ technology’s sensitive system monitoring is the heart of intelligent wireless power. It allows any eCoupled power source to communicate directly with any other power source that comes within range and determines if the object is eCoupled enabled— if it’s not, the system will not provide power to it. When an eCoupled-enabled device is recognized, the system instantaneously evaluates its needs and directs the optimal amount of power to the device. By not broadcasting power and maintaining a high level of control, eCoupled technology is able to realize high efficiencies, reduce energy losses and insure the highest safety levels.
IDENTIFICATION AND AUTHENTICATION USING ADVANCED ID PROTOCOl
eCoupled technology uses a proprietary protocol to communicate with the devices it powers. It authorizes instantaneous identification of eCoupled-enabled devices and two-way feedback on the operation and status of the powered devices. eCoupled technology maximizes power efficiencies and transfers data between the power source and the devices.
PARASITIC METAL DETECTION
eCoupled technology immediately recognizes when any inappropriate device or object (non eCoupled-enable device) comes within range of a power source and shuts down, maintaining one of the safest operating environments in the industry. The technology also focuses power on the eCoupled-enabled devices within range, maintaining higher levels of efficiency and keeping surrounding materials, that could potentially pull power current away, safe.
GREEN SOLUTION
eCoupled technology’s intelligence makes it a green solution. Its intelligent communications protocols and design-friendly nature eliminates unnecessary cords and outdated battery solutions, and reduces energy being wasted through inefficient battery chargers. It also gives product designers and manufacturers the ability to reduce landfill waste, too.
eCoupled technology has been successfully deployed in Alticor's eSpring™ water treatment systems for over six years and has received excellent marks for safety, EMC noise and other international performance standards through six third-party certifiers and/or standards bodies.
SAFE
It won't erase data or interfere with wireless devices, and since eCoupled technology doesn't use exposed metal connections, it greatly reduces the risk of arcing and shorting. It also decreases the risk of electrocution - providing increased protection for equipment and operators. Additionally, eCoupled technology will shut down if excessive power demands are made, and it is active only when the primary supply and secondary receiving coils are within the required range of one another.
eCoupled technology meets EMI/RFI regulations eliminating interference with other electronic devices.
Traditional inductive coupling has very limited use due to the relative inflexibility of the positioning of the primary and receiving coils in relation to each other. eCoupled technology eliminates the need for precise positioning in multiple dimensions, making it easy to connect with the power and data source.
eCoupled technology allows a single primary to supply power to one device or simultaneously to multiple, similar or differing devices. Traditional inductive coupling is restricted to a single device matched to a single primary.
Fulton Innovation has integrated low-cost modulation into the eCoupled circuitry, enabling data transfer at rates of up to 1.1 Mbps. eCoupled technology can accommodate a variety of communication needs through differing levels of technology to support individual applications.
eCoupled technology has strong IP and prototype portfolios, supporting a growing network of partners. This framework has allowed eCoupled technology to advance beyond any other products or competitive technologies using inductive power principles.
eCoupled technology has efficiencies near that of plug and socket connections - a device will charge in approximately the same amount of time as it would using a traditional plug-in charger.
The intelligence of eCoupled technology allows it to dynamically seek resonance and optimize power transfers at high efficiencies (greater than 98% at 120 volts/1.4 kilowatts) under multiple, varying spatial configurations and load conditions – from low-power to high-power applications.
Multiple devices are supported by a single primary, eliminating the need for multiple power supplies and charging devices, allowing for easy, wire-free charging.
eCoupled technology allows for the elimination of external ports. Instead of plugs and connectors, the primary and eCoupled-enabled device only need to be placed in close proximity.
Additionally, connectors are a major failure point for electronic devices. Because devices will no longer need connectors or proprietary chargers, they are likely to be more resistant to damage and allow for a longer product life.
eCoupled technology can operate on either AC power from a wall outlet or DC power from an adapter. For example, the same primary can be plugged into the DC outlet in a car as well as into the AC outlet in a house to power any electrical device.
eCoupled technology can power devices and charge batteries through full integration in a device or by means of external adapters that contain the technology.
eCoupled technology has over 300 patents granted, published or pending worldwide.
eCoupled technology can be designed to be a universal power source, charging multiple devices at the same time, including devices that require different charging voltages.
safety
eCoupled™ technology has been successfully deployed in Alticor's eSpring™ water treatment systems for over six years and has received excellent marks for safety, EMC noise and other international performance standards through six third-party certifiers and/or standards bodies.
It will not erase data or interfere with wireless devices, and since eCoupled technology doesn't use exposed metal connections, it greatly reduces the risk of arcing and shorting. Additionally, eCoupled technology will shut down if excessive power demands are made, and it is active only when the primary supply and secondary receiving coils are within the required range of one another also decreasing the risk of electrocution - therefore providing increased protection of equipment and operators.
HISTORY
ESPRING™ - THE BIRTH OF ECOUPLED™ TECHNOLOGY
Alticor's eSpring water purifier is an internationally recognized water treatment system. Using ultraviolet light technology and patented carbon-block filter technology, eSpring effectively removes 140 potential health-effect contaminants and destroys more than 99.99% of the potentially harmful bacteria and viruses that may be present in tap water.
Roughly ten years ago, the eSpring team was facing a number of challenges, including unwanted hot water caused by the ultraviolet lamp, the overall size of the unit and corrosion of electrical connectors. In response to these problems, research began on alternative power transfer methods resulting in the invention of eCoupled technology.
The eCoupled solution proved to be ideal. It allowed for instantaneous, high-powered energy transfer to the ultraviolet lamp, reducing energy consumption and ambient heat; nesting of a connector-less ultraviolet lamp inside a submersed carbon filter, reducing the size of the system; and the elimination of exposed electrical connections, protecting the ultraviolet lamp from the water surrounding it. Sealing the lamp prevented corrosion, reduced electrical shock hazard and simplified component replacement. It also created a significant reduction in production and operating costs. In effect, eCoupled technology allowed for a better, safer and less expensive product.
To make the eSpring system even more robust, wireless data transfer capabilities were incorporated into the inductive power circuit to monitor operation and performance and to notify the user when to change the filter and ultraviolet lamp. With this new blend of power and data transfer capabilities, it was easy to see that the advantages of implementing eCoupled technology would apply to wherever power is needed, and a new world of opportunity was created. Today, Alticor has sold over 1.5 million eSpring units in over 36 countries around the world.
To learn more about eSpring products, visit eSpring.com.