If you could string together, end-to-end, the number of discarded cables and charging cords a typical cell phone user has crammed in a junk drawer or glove box, how many times would it circle the earth? You get the idea—no wonder consumers are enthusiastically embracing the idea of wireless charging.

On September 12, 2017, Apple announced that their new iPhone 8, 8 Plus, and iPhone X could all charge wirelessly using the mophie® wireless charging base which uses inductive power transfer (IPT). Let’s take a look at what makes this wireless wonder possible.

First off, let’s define a few terms, starting with wireless power transfer (WPT) also known as electromagnetic power transfer, which is exactly what it sounds like: the transmission of electrical energy without wires. Next, we have the transmitter—the device from which the energy flows, and the receiver—the device that receives the power.

There are various ways or processes in which energy can travel between a transmitter and a receiver; in the case of wireless chargers (transmitters) and cell phones (receivers), the specific process is called resonant inductive coupling.

If we break the term down into its parts, it’s easier to understand. Resonant has to do with vibrations; to induce something means to cause something to happen, and coupling means to link. So, the simplified explanation is that a resonating frequency induces or causes a magnetic field that links the two devices, allowing energy to flow between them.  

Let’s look at it in a little more detail. Inside the transmitter, electrical energy is converted into a high frequency alternating current (AC). This current flows into a metal coil inside the transmitter and generates a magnetic field that extends to the matching coil inside the receiver. In order for this connection to form, both coils must be resonating (vibrating) at the same frequency. The flow of energy coming into the receiver is converted from alternating current to direct current (DC) by the circuit inside the receiver. The direct current then begins to charge your phone’s battery.

Today, mophie has created a wireless charging base weighing just 4.37 oz. that leverages Qi wireless technology to deliver safe, quick-charging speeds with up to 7.5W of power. All you need to do is set your cell phone on the non-slip surface and the charging begins on contact.

mophie’s charge force power stations let you charge any Qi-enabled smartphone, or mophie juice pack case with wireless charging, with just the push of a button. This 10,000mAh battery will give your smartphone up to 48 hours of extra battery power, and its extra USB port will charge a second device at the same time.

Now that we know how far we have come, we have to look at the question that comes next. How far can we really go? Start the search yourself with help from InMotion.