Summary of TRANSFERFI LAUNCHES WIRELESS POWER NETWORK FOR LIGHTNING UP SENSORS UP TO 55 METERS AWAY
TransferFi has launched the TFi WPN, a wireless power network designed for building and factory automation. This system powers sensors up to 55 meters away without cabling, reducing installation costs. The solution uses a gateway with beamforming technology to support multiple sensor nodes featuring various environmental sensors and secure encryption.
Parts used in the TransferFi Wireless Power Network:
- TFi Gateway Max Turin-1
- TFi Sense Turin-1 sensor node
- Arm Cortex-M4 microcontroller
- 3-axis accelerometer
- Microphone
- Temperature sensor
- Pressure sensor
- Humidity sensor
- TVOC (Total Volatile Organic Compounds) sensor
For a while now, we have witnessed the use of wireless charging, by placing a phone or other devices that support wireless charging on a charging pad. Energous is one of the companies that started promoting their near-field, mid-field, and far-field wireless charging solutions, with far-field meaning within a room. But so far, they only have released near-field devkits and products. However, Singapore based TransferFi Pte has developed its own wireless charging solution called the TranferFi wireless power network (TFi WPN), aimed at powering sensors up to 55 meters away, and specifically aimed at building and factory automation to enable companies to save on installation and cabling costs.
The TFi WPN functions with a gateway powering up and receiving data from sensors wirelessly, having a range of up to 55 meters. The TFi Gateway Max Turin-1 has a range of up to 32 TFi Sense devices through multichannel beamforming, offering support for up to 16 channels and can be connected to Modbus, BACnet & Web services. TFi Sense Turin-1’s sensor node is powered by a secret Arm Cortex-M4 microcontroller, and it enables a 3-axis accelerometer, a microphone, temperature, pressure, humidity & TVOC (Total Volatile Organic Compounds) sensors. It also further equipped with proprietary encryption & AES-128, and transmit at up to 5 Hz.
The TFi Sense Turin-1 is optimized to perform within the 860MHz – 940MHz frequency ranges. However, TransferFi can also offer the solution in the 2.4GHz – 5.8GHz bands on request. A representative of TransferFi Pte explains:
All this is done through patented signal optimization and beamforming algorithms enhanced for long-range of Wireless Power Transfer (WPT) to more than 100m. We’re working on a developer kit which has loads of customization features for different sensors, communication ports, antenna and micro controllers.
Read more: TRANSFERFI LAUNCHES WIRELESS POWER NETWORK FOR LIGHTNING UP SENSORS UP TO 55 METERS AWAY
- What is the maximum range of the TFi WPN?
The TFi Gateway can power up sensors wirelessly at a range of up to 55 meters. - How many sensor devices can one gateway support?
The TFi Gateway Max Turin-1 supports up to 32 TFi Sense devices through multichannel beamforming. - Can the system connect to industrial protocols?
Yes, the gateway can be connected to Modbus, BACnet, and Web services. - What type of microcontroller powers the sensor node?
The TFi Sense Turin-1 sensor node is powered by a secret Arm Cortex-M4 microcontroller. - Does the system offer data security features?
Yes, the system is equipped with proprietary encryption and AES-128. - What frequency ranges does the system operate on?
The system is optimized for 860MHz – 940MHz, but 2.4GHz – 5.8GHz bands are available on request. - What is the primary goal of this technology?
The aim is to enable companies to save on installation and cabling costs in building and factory automation. - Are developer kits available for customization?
A representative confirmed they are working on a developer kit with customization features for sensors and antennas.
