In the three short years since the company was born, it has gone on to achieve massive success with key global Tier 1 brands and was featured in Corporate Vision’s 2020 Corporate Excellence Awards. As we take a closer look at the firm, discover why it has been awarded the title of Most Innovative Wireless Power Technology Company – 2020
Founded in 2017, Spark Connected began with a vision to transform wireless power delivery and intelligent battery charging with innovative platforms, disruptive tech, and breakthrough products enabling an enhanced user experience for everyone. In the three short years since the company was born, it has gone on to achieve massive success with key global Tier 1 brands and was featured in Corporate Vision’s 2020 Corporate Excellence Awards.
Backed by more than two decades of combined domain expertise and the founders’ deep roots in technology, Spark Connected takes a great deal of pride in delivering advanced end-to-end wireless power system solutions that benefit a wide variety of applications and industries. Specializing in product development and engineering solutions, Spark Connected works with clients in markets as diverse and varied as industrial and Internet of Things, to automotive, medical, telecommunications, security, and consumer markets. The firm is made up of talented and passionate individuals spread across the R&D, systems, applications, marketing, engineering, and operations departments, all equally enthusiastic about developing best-in-class and industry-leading technology in the emerging market of wireless power.
Together with its proven strategic, ecosystem, and channel partners,Spark Connected helps integrate its innovative technology into everyday customer products as well as products in Automotive and Industrial markets. In doing so, the firm is continuing to drive the global transformation of how various industries can power the world wirelessly. The world has increasingly adopted wireless powering technology in various devices since 2017, and that trend shows no signs of slowing down anytime soon. In particular, the last eighteen months have seen phenomenal growth and innovation for Spark Connected,which can be attributed to several factors.
Pantheon™ Software Platform
Firstly, the firm has been responsible for developing a scalable and unparalleled wireless power platform that is based on Spark Connected’s Pantheon™ Software. This works seamlessly with the firm’s patented system hardware designs, and the scalability allows Spark Connected to support a wide range of power levels that can address unique power delivery challenges in a variety of applications beyond just smartphones.
According to Ruwanga Dassanayake, Chief Operating Officer at Spark Connected, “Another aspect of what makes Spark Connected unique is our ability to deliver multiple types of wireless power technologies today, and still has a compelling roadmap that truly excites customers moving forwards. These solutions of the future are based on the firm’s broad patent portfolio, which continues to grow with every day. Furthermore, Spark Connected is a full member of the Wireless Power Consortium (the global wireless power standards body for Qi), and holds multiple co-chair positions in key task forces, helping innovate at the highest possible level and push the boundaries beyond charging smartphones. Lastly, Spark Connected has set an extremely high bar on the quality and level of support that is provided to customers so that they are able to focus their resources on what they do best. All of this truly sets Spark Connected apart from its competitors”.
When working with clients, Spark Connected follows a simple, yet effective, three-pronged approach. Each approach focuses on a different aspect of what the customer requires. For instance, the three approaches are engineered towards what problem is trying to be solved, whether or not the solution adds value to the customer in ways that existing market solutions cannot, and whether or not the solution is delivered in a cost effective manner. Focusing on these three areas is key, and once they are validated, Spark Connected moves quickly with a singular focus on striving for flawless execution to meet delivery commitments.
Internally, the company culture of Spark Connected is much the same as its outward-focused mission. The company was formed on the tenets of rapid innovation and unparalleled customer support, and though the statement may seem trite, the true difference can be seen in how the employees view their job. The team is made up of people who treat a customer’s project as though it were their own. They see the importance of the role that Spark Connected plays in a customer’s success, and they see the part that they play in achieving that success. Staff have a sense of ownership that results in customer support that is far more valuable than the conventional arms-length relationship fostered by other competitors. Spark Connected has assembled a first-class team, with innovation in their DNA. Everyone is like-minded in the belief in the transformative nature of wireless power and its impact on how the connected world is powered.
Regardless of the current global circumstances with the COVID-19 pandemic, technology talent remains in high demand. Spark Connected is continuously looking to add innovative talent to its ranks as the company grows, specifically looking for individuals that have the unique combination of being innovative, passionate, keen to challenge the status quo, and the ability to think outside the box. Those staff must be on board with always thinking about how the future can be transformed further,even during difficult times. Scaling the business can sometimes be hard, but Spark Connected has grown tenfold in the last eighteen months.
Looking to the future, there is plenty of room for growth within the world of wireless technology. By 2023, more than one billion smartphones will have adopted the wireless charging technology that is already evident in various smartphone models. Along with this rapid growth in devices, comes an ecosystem rife with opportunity to support charging these devices through a ubiquitous wireless charging infrastructure in places such as hotels, apartment complexes, enterprise office spaces, public venues, and public transport.
In addition to the smartphone market, Spark Connected’s technology is uniquely positioned to support applications beyond smartphones, such as medical, high power industrial, and factory automation, lighting, IoT, security, and telecommunications infrastructure. Beyond the smartphone space is very much an emerging market at present, but one that Spark Connected is more excited than ever to be a part of. Untapped potential and opportunity await, with incredibly attractive annual growth rates in the next decade.
The future of wireless technology is incredibly exciting, and with Spark Connected at the forefront of the industry innovation, it is only set to become more integrated into society. As these innovations and developments keep coming, Spark Connected looks forward to spearheading and supporting the wireless power industry to become the next ubiquitous charging standard.
“Spark Connected has assembled a first-class team, with innovation in their DNA. Everyone is like-minded in the belief in the transformative nature of wireless power and its impact on how the connected world is powered.” – Ruwanga Dassanayake, Chief Operating Officer.
Automobile leading-edge technologies allow us to do other “tasks” in addition to actually driving, and a large percentage of these evolve around the handset.
Recently, the Wireless Power Consortium (WPC or “Qi”) technology won the technology battle and is now the low power standard for handsets. This fact was further cemented with implementation of the Qi technology by all leading worldwide handset makers.
Power Systems Design CISPR 25 Class 5 Initial Testing 100 KHz – 30 MHz
Car models, with wireless charging available, is now at 100+ models which equates to over 12 million (2.4M OEM, 9.7M after market) vehicles having Qi based systems installed in 2018 alone. The majority are Qi Baseline Power Profile (BPP) or 5W systems. The new direction is for faster charging and higher power, via compliance with the Qi Extended Power Profile (EPP) or 15W capability. This faster charging convenience comes with additional technical hurdles that must be overcome. The three main issues being EMI compliance, efficiency and thermal limitations.
The 15W System
Within the WPC standard, there are sub-categories (e.g. MP-A9) that specify various aspects of the system and configuration of the transmit (Tx) coil that is used. Done for interoperability purposes, the standard defines: input DC voltage, Tx coil size and shape, frequency control (e.g. fixed), power level, and power control (voltage/frequency/phase/duty cycle). The 15W Tx input voltage is 12V, with coil voltages up to 100V due to the resonance mode of operation, and thus has both elevated magnetic (H) and electrical (E) fields meaning potentially stronger radiated noise than Qi BPP 5W systems.
EMI Issues and Solutions
On newer vehicles, numerous RF systems need to co-exist and ensure that they do not affect anything else such as: AM/FM radio, GPS, Bluetooth, WiFi, telematics, etc. A few of these RF systems operate within the 87-205 KHz (up to 300 KHz) frequency range of the Qi EPP system and/or low harmonics. AM radio, 525 KHz to 1705 KHz (in the Americas), is required to be EMI free as it is used as part of the Emergency Broadcast System. New remote keyless entry systems (RKE) operate at 125 KHz as do some tire pressure monitoring systems (TPMS) for driving the initiator L-C (inductance-capacitance) coil circuit.
Automotive applications have very stringent EMI requirements. CISPR 25 (Comité International Spécial des Perturbations Radioélectriques) is a non-regulatory engineering automotive standard that sets conducted and radiated emission limits that must be met for the protection of other on-board receivers and defines these limits over a frequency range of 150 KHz to 2500 MHz.
Within CISPR 25, there are classes defining permitted conducted and radiated noise emissions limits, with radiated being the real concern. The radiated Class limits versus bands are given in Table 1 for Peak, Quasi-peak and Average measured voltage up through the FM radio band.
Table 1 – CISPR 25 Radiated Limits by Class
With the increased Qi EPP power levels, meeting Class 4 has been a challenge and to date, no Class 5 system is available in the market. Actual CISPR 25 Class 5 measurement data is provided in Figure 1.
From the plot, this design does not fully pass Class 5 certification but does meet Class 4 requirements. The following sections address some key EMI noise mitigation areas used in the system design.
The first approach of mitigating EMI noise is implementing a fixed frequency system. The Qi standard allows for variable frequency to better “tune” the two sides to improve performance. A changing frequency would make complying with the CISPR 25 stringent EMI noise limits even more problematic. For current Qi EPP designs, the fixed frequency is around 127 KHz.
The next technique is to remove the Tx coil square wave currents and have them be sinusoidal. This approach reduces the noise “spikes” that could be otherwise generated. Using an inductor in the drive circuitry smooths out the square wave current created by the turning ON/OFF of the switches (MOSFETs) and helps to ensure that the switching scheme is “clean” and noise free.
Further EMI suppression can be realized with the addition of a common mode filter (CMF) placed in series with the Tx coil windings. Current through the Tx coil is pure alternating current (AC), which can be considered as 100% ripple current, and has no direct current (DC) content like many power supplies which involve DC current and some allowable ripple current. Therefore, selection of the ferrite material used for this CMF is important and AC core losses must be minimized at the 127 KHz fixed frequency.
Another EMI noise suppression technique is to add EMI suppression magnetic sheets to absorb harmonics and spurious unwanted noise that may emit out of the backside of the main Tx shield. The magnetic sheets remove EMI noise via two methods. First, higher permeability (µ’) of these materials yields better shielding (containment) performance of the magnetic flux (φ) and reduces it from being radiated. Next, higher resistive properties (µ”) yield better noise suppression through higher core losses for the unwanted frequencies’ flux fields remove the EMI noise in the form of heat. This relationship is given in Equation 1.
µ = µ’ – jµ” Eq. 1
But having too high of a µ’ value can decrease performance. Due to a phenomenon called magnetic coupling (K), having an additional magnetic sheet can shift the inductance value of the Tx coil and de-tune the circuit and move it away from the desired fixed frequency.
Lastly, there are non-magnetic materials that also suppress EMI noise. The challenge is to obtain a material that can provide attenuation without simply reflecting the EMI noise. Silver alloy based films with low surface resistances (~4 ohms/square) have been used and demonstrate improved EMI noise suppression of problematic harmonics up to 1 MHz. These non-magnetic sheets, placed on top of the Tx coil windings, tend to better suppress E fields than H fields.
The Tx coil comes with its own magnetic shield which contains desired magnetic flux generated by the sinusoidal electrical current going through the winding. For the operating frequency (127 KHz), the shielding material is selected to have higher µ’ and lower µ” as to not attenuate the desired magnetic flux field. This shield contains the wanted magnetic flux and also some of the harmonic flux, thus becoming part of the of the overall EMI compliance solution.
Efficiency – Wireless Power System Factors
Figure 2 – Standard WPC MP-A9 Tx Coil
With no direct electrical connection between charger (Tx side) and the receive (Rx) device, power is transferred between the two sides via an H field created by electrical current flowing through the Tx coil. The Rx coil captures this H field and converts it to an electrical current through the Rx winding. The mechanism for this process is magnetic coupling and is impacted by alignment between the two coils (X and Y), the separation distance (Z gap) and the orientation (parallel).
In an automotive application, orientation is controlled by the flat center console area surface. Alignment is addressed currently by a 3 distinct windings Tx coil and with built-in control intelligence, the Qi system determines which winding is best aligned. This 3 windings coil provides some positional freedom but only in one axis. An example of a MP-A9 coil is shown in Figure 2.
This 3 windings coil is not a system requirement, but is the “norm”. There are current efforts to have a 2 windings coil configuration for smaller vehicles to reduce both size and cost, with the trade-off being alignment and possibly reduced efficiency.
The Z direction gap is more of a challenge due to the original Qi standard specifying the maximum magnetic shield-shield distance as <5 mm, and not the coil winding-winding distance. The shields are used for: 1) shielding the H field from objects behind the coils, 2) shaping/directing/containing the H field, 3) helping to set the inductance values, and 4) providing the mechanism for magnetic coupling, a function of the distance between the two magnetic shields. Therefore, for in-vehicle applications, with a Rx coil winding thickness of up to 1.0 mm, a 1.0 mm phone back cover thickness, a phone protection case up to 3.0 mm and then a center console thickness of 2.0 mm, a Tx winding structure thickness of 2.5 mm, all means the actual shield-shield Z gap distance is 9-10 mm, which assumes no gap between the phone case and the center console. As the coupling factor decreases with Z gap distance, pressure is put unto the Tx side to compensate for the lower coupling by requiring more Tx input current to maintain the power required on the Rx side. Since the electrical load does not change, requiring more input current to maintain the same output power is another way of saying decreased efficiency. This is shown in Figure 3.
Figure 3 – Efficiency Vs. Z Gap using WPC A11 Tx Coil, 5V Rx Output
This testing used two Rx coil sizes, with and without having a battery located behind the Rx coil. The efficiency rolls off as the Z gap increases between the coils. The Qi system also operates with in-band communication and when coupling (K) is low, communication may cease and stop power transmission. This was the case for the bottom orange curve so all testing was terminated at 11 mm. For Qi EPP systems, the higher currents will help with coupling, but it is important to understand what the real-world Z gap is.
Higher coil winding currents also create higher wire losses. There is both a coil’s DC resistance (DCR) value and AC resistance (ACR or RAC) value, with wire loss being related to RAC and is shown in Equation 2.
PLOSS = I2 x RAC Eq.2
where:
I – Tx coil winding AC current
RAC – resistance at operating frequency
Higher current systems also generate more magnetic flux (φ) and higher core losses within the Tx coil magnetic shield. Typical curves, for various magnetic materials, are shown in Figure 4 for core loss (Pcv) versus magnetic flux density (B), with Ni-Zn and Mn-Zn being types of ferrite.
Figure 4 – Magnetic Shield Core Loss vs. Magnetic Flux Density
Flux density is related to the magnetic field and is supplied by magnetic core suppliers in the material’s B-H curve. The relationship between current and the H field is given in Equation 3.
H ∝ N x I Eq. 3
where,
N – the coil’s number of winding pattern turns
I – Tx coil winding AC current
In wireless charging systems, the alignment and Z gap parameters cannot be controlled by the auto-maker. How and where the user places the handset into the console area, what type of protective case is used, internal Rx coil size and shape, whether the handset shifts during acceleration and braking, all will impact efficiency.
Efficiency – Tx Power Topology Factors
A key efficiency improving technique is to use a Push-Pull converter drive scheme. The Push-Pull converter supplies the Tx coil current by a set of switches in a synchronized timing scheme. The switches are alternately switched ON and OFF, thereby cycling the direction of the current through the coil during both halves of the switching cycle, unlike other topologies (e.g. Bucks) that rely on stored energy within passive devices to supply current during the switch’s OFF period. Also implemented with Push-Pulls, is a short “dead” time with no current, ensuring both switches are not ON (sourcing current) at the same time which would cause damage to the supply. Overall, Push-Pull converters have steadier input current over other power topologies, generate less EMI noise, and are more efficient in higher power applications.
A technique also used is called Zero Voltage Switching (ZVS) or “soft” switching. In order to reduce losses during the turning ON/OFF of the switches, the system ensures that prior to the switching process, there is no voltage across the switch. This eliminates the possibility of having current flowing through the switch with an applied voltage. Having ZVS therefore reduces switching losses and substantially improves efficiency. Timing control is therefore a key requirement.
Another advantage of ZVS is it reduces harmonics. Reducing the harmonics assists in complying with the CISPR 25 requirements. This is included here as it also plays a key part in efficiency. In the Qi system, the Tx and Rx side circuits’ L-C networks are tuned to a specific frequency. Harmonic energy is wasted as the tuned Rx circuit will rectify little energy outside of its tuned frequency range.
Thermal Issues
Losses in wireless power systems come from the circuit components, wires and cores on both the Tx and Rx sides, and coupling losses to bridge the air gap between the two coils. Within the auto-maker’s control are only the Tx side wire, core and the circuit component losses, including the PCB, and all lead to increased temperature. Auto-makers have very stringent temperature rise limitations and is usually at +10oC rise over ambient temperature.
Magnetic core losses are dependent on the material’s characteristics. The key parameters are: material type used, i.e., ferrite or powdered iron, the thickness of the shield, the operating frequency (creating inner-material losses), and the magnetic field flux density. Temperature can have an impact but limits set by the auto-makers have ensured that the temperature has no real impact on core losses.
For the Tx coil, multi-strand litz wire is used to reduce AC losses as the frequency increases, which are due to a phenomenon called “skin effect”. Simply stated, as the frequency increases, more current flows closer (higher current density) to the wire’s outer surface and utilizes less of the cross sectional area. This creates increased resistance, which increases wire loss and temperature rise. Litz wire creates much more overall wire surface area and helps reduce AC resistance over standard single strand wire. As the power and current requirement levels continue to go up, the need to use higher stand litz wire continues. Balancing performance, thermal issues, wire diameter and coil size then become key aspects of in-vehicle systems.
Taming the Beast
Using a Spark Connected 15W automotive Tx module aptly called the “Beast”, which implements all of the aforementioned EMI suppression and efficiency improvement techniques. Testing was done comparing the Tx coil’s shield material type and thickness. Four ferrite and one powdered iron based materials were tested and results were obtained for efficiency and thermal conditions. These are provided in Table 2.
Table 2 – Tx Shield Material vs. Thickness vs. Efficiency Paired with a 50 mm x 40 mm, 8.22 uH Rx Coil
In the Temperature column, Tx shield corner (Cnr) and center (Ctr) measurements are provided for the worse-case scenario of a 0.3 mm thick shield and are for ambient + self-temperature rise values.
Regardless of the shielding material, all maximum efficiencies were for the thicker shields (with 3 sheets of 0.3 mm MS8 used). This also coincides with the thicker shields creating higher inductances which helps in the coupling factor through increased mutual inductance (Lm). Table 2 also shows that the higher µ’ material, FT2, exhibits the highest efficiency across all thicknesses. There are other loss sources and system factors that come into play and the data does not address these. One of these is related to the Tx coil inductance. Since the resonant circuitry was tuned for the FT2 material and its initial inductance value, coupling will shift the inductance values and de-tuned the circuit and reduced efficiency. In design practice, attention would be given to re-tuning the circuit by adjusting capacitance.
As currents continue to increase for higher power applications, the magnetic flux density saturation (Bs) values of the shield materials need to be known. If saturation occurs, a percentage of the magnetic flux will escape out the back, reducing efficiency and causing additional heating via Eddy currents on any metal in close proximity.
Revisiting the plot in Figure 1, another EMI test was conducted by applying a metalized film over the Tx coil to help suppress low frequency harmonic spikes prevalent in the plot. The EMI suppression approach vastly improved the even numbered harmonics up through the 6th harmonic or 762 KHz. This new plot is shown in Figure 5. Needed still, is improvement in the 1-2 MHz range as the Quasi-Peak values are slightly above their limits in. However, the design was certified for Class 4.
Figure 5 – CISPR 25 Class 5 Testing 100 KHz to 30 MHz with Metalized Film
What’s Next for Vehicles
The Tx system makers have already begun preliminary design work in the 30-45W range, addressing tablets and lower power notebooks. The idea is that the in-vehicle Tx locations could be behind the headrests of the front seats or lower in the pouches for persons sitting in the back seats, allowing for continuous operation of the device being wirelessly powered or recharging of the battery.
Even though this power range is early in its development cycle, there is already early talk about increasing the power level up to 65-90W. With each step in power, the more critical the design becomes in addressing EMI, efficiency and thermals.
The author would like to thank:
1) The power gurus from Spark Connected, Ken Moore, Emanuel Stingu and Yulong Hou, for their knowledge and testing data for “The Beast“.
2) National Technical Solutions, in Plano, TX, who performed the CISPR 25 testing.
Spark is transforming wireless power delivery and intelligent battery charging with innovative platforms, disruptive technology and breakthrough products enabling an enhanced user experience for all. The company specializes in Product Development and Engineering Solutions with a team of passionate innovators with decades of combined deep domain expertise.
Spark Connected is a Full Member of the Wireless Power Consortium.
Please forward inquiries to: Marina Wolf/Ruwanga Dassanayake (972) 855-8026 sales(at)sparkconnected.com
Spark Connected, a global leader in developing advanced and innovative wireless power technology and system level solutions, has been elected to another co-chair position at the Wireless Power Consortium.
Spark Connected, a global leader in developing advanced and innovative wireless power technology and system level solutions, has been elected to another co-chair position at the Wireless Power Consortium.
Malek Ramezani, Senior Power Electronics Systems Engineer at Spark Connected, has been elected as the Co-Chair of the WPC Enhanced Foreign Object Detection Task Force (EFOD TF).
This task force works towards enhancing the current FOD approaches of Qi-certified wireless power solutions as well as developing new FOD practices to promote and guarantee the safe operation of any wireless power system seeking Qi certification.
About WPC
Established in 2008, the Wireless Power Consortium is an open, collaborative standards development group of more than 500 member companies from around the globe. WPC’s member companies are large and small competitors and ecosystem partners representing brands from all parts of the industry and all parts of the globe. Members collaborate with a single purpose: worldwide compatibility of all wireless chargers and wireless power sources.
As wireless charging continues to evolve beyond consumer handheld devices, there are myriad of other new applications, such as laptops, tablets, drones, robots, connected car and the intelligent cordless kitchen. The WPC maintains and develops standards for a variety of different wireless power applications. This includes:
The Qi standard, for smartphones and other portable mobile devices. Qi delivers up to 15W today. A future extension will also deliver up to 60W to enable laptop charging in addition to charging smartphones and other portable mobile devices with wide positioning freedom.
The Medium Power standard, a simple low-cost solution delivering 30 – 200W for power tools, robotic vacuum cleaners, e-bikes, and other battery-powered devices that don’t require compatibility with the Qi standard for mobile phones charging.
With more than 5000 different Qi Certified wireless charging products in the market, the WPC uses a network of independent authorized test labs around the globe that test specific properties for safety, interoperability, and usability. Spark Connected is proud to serve on these committees and task forces, and advance the future of wireless charging and power in the market.
Malek Ramezani, Senior Power Electronics Systems Engineer
Spark is transforming wireless power delivery and intelligent battery charging with innovative platforms, disruptive technology and breakthrough products enabling an enhanced user experience for all. The company specializes in Product Development and Engineering Solutions with a team of passionate innovators with decades of combined deep domain expertise.
Spark Connected is a Full Member of the Wireless Power Consortium.
Please forward inquiries to: Marina Wolf/Ruwanga Dassanayake (972) 855-8026 sales(at)sparkconnected.com
‘Powering the World, Wirelessly’: Spark Connected, a Dallas-based Tech Firm, Transforms Wireless Power Delivery and Battery Charging with Innovative Platforms, Disruptive Technology, and Breakthrough Products.
During the 1980s, the Ethernet cable was the biggest innovation of the decade. It let users connect to the World Wide Web and took them places they’ve never been before. However, when WiFi was invented in 1998, people moved away from Ethernet cables to WiFi as it promised wireless connectivity at better speeds. Importantly, having portable connected devices that are battery operated and can be charged wirelessly is the latest trend to hit the technological market.
In light of the above, we’re pleased to present Spark Connected – a pioneer in the wireless power industry.
Spark Connected was founded with a purpose to transform wireless power delivery and intelligent battery charging with innovative platforms, disruptive technology, and breakthrough products enabling an enhanced user experience for all.
The company specializes in product development and engineering solutions with a team of innovators who have over two decades of combined deep domain experience. Spark takes pride in delivering advanced end-to-end wireless power system solutions that benefit industries and markets as diverse as industrial, medical, automotive, telecom and consumer areas.
In Conversation with Ken Moore, Spark Connected CEO
Can you brief us about the history of your company?
Spark Connected was founded in 2017 in Dallas, Texas. With a focus on specialized product development and engineering solutions, the firm has produced cutting-edge inductive and resonant wireless power and charging solutions. We are early pioneers in creating safe products, passing and exceeding regulatory requirements. We have partnered with Infineon Technologies, AG and area full member of the Wireless Power Consortium (Qi). Our Spark team members hold WPC co-chair positions in the Mobile Laptop, Automotive and Next Generation Transmitter committees, where we help guide the future wireless power standards.
What is your greatest fear and how do you manage it?
My biggest fear in both technology and business is to stop moving forward. There is an old saying that some people are like sharks. A shark must continue swimming forward to breathe through its gills, and if a shark stops swimming, it will die. Technology is very similar in the sense that if you aren’t moving forward and innovating, then eventually you will lose your value in the market and be relegated to the dustbin of history. Spark is all about innovating faster than our competitors, who are often much bigger than we are.
What were the biggest initial hurdles to building your business and how did you overcome them?
The biggest initial hurdles to building our business were funding and market awareness. Funding a startup in the post-2008 era is difficult, and making customers aware of your existence in this information-overload age is even more difficult. To solve the funding issue, we took the self-funding route. I would not recommend this road for those who value their peace of mind, but in business, you often have to place bets on your vision and your ability to execute. For market awareness, there is no substitute for good old-fashioned relationship building and word of mouth campaigns.
‘It is difficult to start a venture, but far more difficult to maintain it’. How would you and your team interpret this saying?
This goes back to moving versus standing still. In the beginning, everything is new and exciting. But very soon, you have to execute on all those promises you made to the market. So you now have to maintain your focus on innovating ahead of your competition, while still executing so your current customers can develop their products. This is a delicate balance that many find difficult, if not impossible. As a leader, if you have done your job by building a strong team around a clear strategy, you can make the present a reality while still keeping your foot on the accelerator and moving forward.
If you had one piece of advice to someone just starting out, what would it be?
Talk to someone who has done it before (and been successful), and make them your mentor. It will save you quite a few stubbed toes and smashed thumbs.
What do you think is the most memorable moment in your career?
The most memorable moment would be when I received my first promotion ever to lead a team. It changed me in ways I never thought possible. A team is a very effective mirror that forces you to try and be a better leader, and a better person.
What are your future focus areas?
If our technology can improve the user experience of someone who is trying to power or charge a device, then that is where our focus will be.
The Visionary Leader of Spark Connected: Ken Moore
Ken Moore, CEO of Spark Connected, has always been interested in taking things apart. Alarm clocks, radios…whatever he could get his hands on. Then in the mid-1970s, his father brought him to “bring your sons/daughters to work day”, and sat him down in front of a very early computer terminal. He ran a program and the computer asked Ken his name. When he did so it responded “Hello Ken, my name is PDP. Would you like to play a game with me?” Ken was completely fascinated by that funny green TV that seemed so alive, and after that it was all about technology.
Ken went on to attend the University of California, Irvine, where he received his BS in Electrical Engineering, and the Cox School of Business at Southern Methodist University where he received his MBA. Ken has been elected as the Co-Chair of the Wireless Power Consortium (WPC) Mobile Laptop Task Force.
“If our technology can improve the user experience of someone who is trying to power or charge something, then that is where our focus will be.” – Ken Moore, Chief Executive Officer at Spark Connected.
Spark is transforming wireless power delivery and intelligent battery charging with innovative platforms, disruptive technology and breakthrough products enabling an enhanced user experience for all. The company specializes in Product Development and Engineering Solutions with a team of passionate innovators with decades of combined deep domain expertise.
Spark Connected is a Full Member of the Wireless Power Consortium.
Please forward inquiries to: Marina Wolf/Ruwanga Dassanayake (972) 855-8026 sales(at)sparkconnected.com
Spark Connected, a global leader in developing advanced and innovative wireless power technology and system level solutions, has been elected to co-chair positions at the Wireless Power Consortium.
Spark Connected, a global leader in developing advanced and innovative wireless power technology and system level solutions, has been elected to co-chair positions at the Wireless Power Consortium.
Ken Moore, CEO, was elected to the Co-Chair of the WPC Mobile/Laptop Task Force. This task force develops an extension of the Qi Specification that enables laptop charging up to 60W and maintains compatibility with Qi chargers and Qi receivers.
Emanuel Stingu, CTO, was elected to both the Co-Chair of the Automotive Application Group and the New Power Transmitter Review Task Force. The Automotive Application Group discusses requirements for implementing Qi in automotive applications and works to support the WPC members that develop applications in the automotive space voice their concerns and implement solutions that improve the safety and the reliability of the Qi standard.
The New Power Transmitter Review Task Force helps member companies innovate and at the same time guarantee that every new TX design is well designed, safe and fully interoperable, and introduces the 30W-45W transmitter types in the Qi specification.
About WPC
Established in 2008, the Wireless Power Consortium is an open, collaborative standards development group of more than 500 member companies from around the globe. WPC’s member companies are large and small competitors and ecosystem partners representing brands from all parts of the industry and all parts of the globe. Members collaborate with a single purpose: worldwide compatibility of all wireless chargers and wireless power sources.
As wireless charging continues to evolve beyond consumer handheld devices, there are myriad of other new applications, such as laptops, tablets, drones, robots, connected car and the intelligent cordless kitchen. The WPC maintains and develops standards for a variety of different wireless power applications. This includes:
The Qi standard, for smartphones and other portable mobile devices. Qi delivers up to 15W today. A future extension will also deliver up to 60W to enable laptop charging in addition to charging smartphones and other portable mobile devices with wide positioning freedom.
The Medium Power standard, a simple low-cost solution delivering 30 – 200W for power tools, robotic vacuum cleaners, e-bikes, and other battery-powered devices that don’t require compatibility with the Qi standard for mobile phones charging.
With more than 5000 different Qi Certified wireless charging products in the market, the WPC uses a network of independent authorized test labs around the globe that test specific properties for safety, interoperability, and usability. Spark Connected is proud to serve on these committees and task forces, and advance the future of wireless charging and power in the market.
Spark is transforming wireless power delivery and intelligent battery charging with innovative platforms, disruptive technology and breakthrough products enabling an enhanced user experience for all. The company specializes in Product Development and Engineering Solutions with a team of passionate innovators with decades of combined deep domain expertise.
Spark Connected is a Full Member of the Wireless Power Consortium.
Please forward inquiries to: Marina Wolf/Ruwanga Dassanayake (972) 855-8026 sales(at)sparkconnected.com
Spark Connected, a global leader in developing advanced and innovative wireless power technology and system level solutions, announced today a partnership with Vega Innovations on the electric vehicle, In-Cabin wireless charging solution.
Spark Connected, a global leader in developing advanced and innovative wireless power technology and system level solutions, announced today a partnership with Vega Innovations on the electric vehicle, In-Cabin wireless charging solution.
Vega EVX, the all-electric supercar has integrated Spark Connected’s in-cabin wireless charging technology, based on the solution named The Beast, into its luxurious cockpit. Supporting all fast charge smartphones, the solution provides an integrated smart phone wireless charging feature, complementing the Vega’s state-of-the-art interior and technology features.
According to Ruwanga Dassanayake, Chief Operating Officer at Spark Connected, “The very talented team of innovators at Vega has actualized an impressive feat in launching the stunning VEGA EVX. We are pleased to have partnered with the team in combining Spark’s automotive in-cabin wireless charging technology into the Vega. Very proud of this exciting milestone for Sri Lanka on the world stage”.
Vega Innovations combined dual electric motors and a light carbon-fiber construction, allowing the Vega EVX to retain its remarkably light weight of 2,090kg even with a dense on-board lithium-ion battery pack. This is a result of innovative packaging, safety, battery management, system hardware, as well as firmware and software technologies.
According to CEO Harsha Subasinghe, “The Vega EVX is South Asia’s first all-electric supercar which uses innovative, modular and fully scalable systems that can be customized to optimize performance and drive-train technology. Our partnership with Ruwanga and his Spark Connected team has been great that has resulted in a high performance and EMI best-in-class wireless charging solution that further enhances the user experience in the Vega”.
The Beast-based in-cabin wireless charging solution is a high performance solution that meetings stringent requirements for integration into the automotive cockpit. The solution has been certified CISPR-25 Class 4, an industry first, to meet strict automotive in-cabin emissions requirements for electromagnetic interference (EMI) and electromagnetic compatibility (EMC).
“The very talented team of innovators at Vega has actualized an impressive feat in launching the stunning VEGA EVX. We are pleased to have partnered with the team in combining Spark’s automotive in-cabin wireless charging technology into the Vega. Very proud of this exciting milestone for Sri Lanka on the world stage.” – Ruwanga Dassanayake, Chief Operating Officer at Spark Connected.
Spark is transforming wireless power delivery and intelligent battery charging with innovative platforms, disruptive technology and breakthrough products enabling an enhanced user experience for all. The company specializes in Product Development and Engineering Solutions with a team of passionate innovators with decades of combined deep domain expertise.
Spark Connected is a Full Member of the Wireless Power Consortium.
Please forward inquiries to: Marina Wolf/Ruwanga Dassanayake (972) 855-8026 sales(at)sparkconnected.com
About Vega Innovations
Vega Innovations is an electric vehicle (EV) automobile manufacture of electric super cars, based in Colombo, Sri Lanka. Vega also designs and manufactures EV components such as high-performance inverters, drivetrains and battery packs; as well as provide EV research and development (R&D) services to clients worldwide.
Founded in 2013 December by Dr. Harsha Subasinghe CEO of CodeGen International and Dr Beshan Kulapala, with a vision of building high performance, cost effective, sustainable technologies to disrupt the EV market. On its six-year journey, Vega has developed South Asia’s first electric super car, Vega EVX, and will be unveiled at the Geneva International Motor Show in March 2020. Vega is also developing alternative, mass market, transportation vehicles with its international partners. Vega Innovations is a startup company, part of CodeGen International.
Annual IoT Breakthrough Awards Program Recognizes Standout Internet-of-Things Companies and Products.
IoT Breakthrough, a leading market intelligence organization that recognizes the top companies, technologies and products in the global Internet-of-Things (IoT) market, today announced that Spark Connected, a leading technology developer of advanced and innovative wireless power system solutions, has been selected as the winner of the “Wireless Technology Innovation Award” in the 4th annual IoT Breakthrough Awards program.
Spark Connected is a global leader in developing advanced, innovative and safe wireless power technologies and solutions that benefit a wide variety of applications in the Automotive, Industrial, Medical, Robotics, Security, Factory Automation, IoT, Smart Home, Consumer and Telecom markets.
The 2020 IoT Breakthrough Awards program is recognizing Spark Connected for their development of an industry first 30-Watt wireless power solution, The Gorgon, engineered for Telecom Infrastructure and IoT Security applications. The Gorgon wireless power solution consists of both a transmitter and companion receiver. The solution integrates into in-building mmWave 5G products and eliminates the need to wire external antenna or FWA links, aiming to reduce overall deployment costs for network operators and simplifying installation.
The mission of the IoT Breakthrough Awards program is to recognize the innovators, leaders and visionaries from around the globe in a range of IoT categories, including Industrial and Enterprise IoT, Smart City technology, Connected Home and Home Automation, Connected Car, and many more. This year’s program attracted more than 3,700 nominations from companies all over the world.
“With the dawn of 5G upon us, The Gorgon platform represents a significant step forward in making wireless power a commercial reality in 5G networks,“ said James Johnson, managing director at IoT Breakthrough. “5G is one of the most significant wireless developments impacting the telecom and IoT industry, and Spark Connected is marching forward understanding that the 5G future is now. Wireless technology is a wide arena and we congratulate Spark Connected and the Gorgon platform for “breaking through” the industry with their significant achievement in the IoT space.”
“We are committed to making the promises of 5G technology a reality, and we are confident that our Gorgon solution will deliver “breakthrough” results for our Telecom Infrastructure and IoT customers,” said Ken Moore, Chief Executive Officer, Spark Connected. “The Gorgon unlocks true value for mobile users in Fixed Wireless Access for commercial and residential CPE. The applications for The Gorgon are nearly endless and include not only 5G CPE, but security cameras, smart and connected home and factory automation to name a few. We are extremely proud to be recognized by IoT Breakthrough and consider this a strong validation of our innovative drive at Spark Connected.”
The Gorgon wireless power platform can transmit 30 Watts of power wirelessly and can be integrated in 5G telecom fixed wireless access nodes. The Gorgon transmitter continuously provides power from the inside of the home to the receiver 5G antenna on the outside of the window in the home.
The Gorgon platform is also being integrated in outdoor security cameras. The cameras can be attached to the outside of the window along with The Gorgon wireless power receiver, and the main power unit is attached to the window inside the home along with The Gorgon wireless power transmitter. This results in a simple installation where the inside and outside units are attached without the need to breach the weatherproof barrier by drilling through walls.
About IoT Breakthrough
Part of Tech Breakthrough, a leading market intelligence and recognition platform for global technology innovation and leadership, the IoT Breakthrough Awards program is devoted to honoring excellence in Internet-of-Things technologies, services, companies and products. The IoT Breakthrough Awards program provides a forum for public recognition around the achievements of IoT companies and products in categories including Connected Home and Home Automation, Connected Car, Industrial IoT (IIoT) and Smart City, Consumer IoT and more. For more information visit IoTBreakthrough.com.
“We are committed to making the promises of 5G technology a reality, and we are confident that our Gorgon solution will deliver “breakthrough” results for our Telecom Infrastructure and IoT customers.” – Ken Moore, Chief Executive Officer at Spark Connected.
Spark is transforming wireless power delivery and intelligent battery charging with innovative platforms, disruptive technology and breakthrough products enabling an enhanced user experience for all. The company specializes in Product Development and Engineering Solutions with a team of passionate innovators with decades of combined deep domain expertise.
Spark Connected is a Full Member of the Wireless Power Consortium.
Please forward inquiries to: Dana Veal/Ruwanga Dassanayake (972) 855-8026 sales(at)sparkconnected.com
Spark Connected, a global leader in developing advanced and innovative wireless power technology and system level solutions, today revealed The Minotaur solution – designed and engineered to charge laptops and tablets.
THE HAGUE, Netherlands. September 17, 2019.
Spark Connected, a global leader in developing advanced and innovative wireless power technology and system level solutions, today revealed The Minotaur solution – designed and engineered to charge laptops and tablets.
Many portable devices and applications available in the market today require power levels higher than 15W including laptops, tablets, large form factor smartphones, MedTech, gaming, POS (point of sale systems) and Industry 4.0 devices. The Minotaur solution provides the power, flexibility, efficiency and ease of integration required to charge the thinner, portable, more powerful devices that enable our increasingly connected world.
Ruwanga Dassanayake, COO of Spark Connected, said, “The era of wirelessly charging laptops and tablets has finally arrived and Spark Connected is at the forefront, paving the way with The Minotaur platform. We are excited to contribute and innovate within the Qi/Wireless Power Consortium in helping to extend the current 15W EPP standard to 30W and 45W.”
Highlights of Spark Connected’s Minotaur solution include:
Full Transmitter and Receiver solutions for 30W or 45W
Interoperability with Qi BPP/EPP devices
Single and multi-coil structures can be used
Small form factor allows integration into small and thin devices
Best-In-Class efficiency and performance
Powered by the Infineon XMC™ Wireless Power Controller
“The era of wirelessly charging laptops and tablets has finally arrived and Spark Connected is at the forefront leading the evolution.” – Ruwanga Dassanayake, Chief Operating Officer at Spark Connected.
About Spark Connected
Spark Connected | powering the world, wirelessly Spark connected is an industry leader specializing in multiple advanced and safe wireless power technologies that benefits a wide variety of applications in theAutomotive, Industrial,Infrastructure, Medical, Telecom and Security, Robotics, Factory Automation, IOT,Smart Home, andConsumermarkets. Spark is transforming wireless power delivery and intelligent battery charging with innovative platforms, disruptive technology and breakthrough products enabling an enhanced user experience for all. The company specializes in Product Development and Engineering Solutions with a team of passionate innovators with decades of combined deep domain expertise.
Spark Connected is a Full Member of the Wireless Power Consortium.
Please forward inquiries to: Dana Veal/Ruwanga Dassanayake (972) 855-8026 sales(at)sparkconnected.com
By Rob Schneider – Managing Editor – Events, Dallas Business Journal
Ken Moore of Spark Connected is a finalist in the Technology Inventor Award category for the 2019 Tech Titan awards. Category winners will be announced at an awards event on Friday, Aug. 23. For more information about the awards event, click here.
As CEO of Spark Connected Ken Moore is working on developing disruptive wireless power technology that can be used for a host of technology from automotive to consumer to medical to Internet of Things applications.
“My role is to ensure Spark is in a position to bring about our vision of replacing power cables with wireless power,” Moore said.
Moore worked for many years at Texas Instruments at first designing talking toys and eventually moving to integrated circuits for hard disk drives, then wireless phones and other telecom equipment. He followed by working in Dallas in product development and then into business roles. He left TI in 2011 and joined the startup world. In 2017, he formed Spark Connected.
Moore answered other questions from the Business Journal about technology.
What is the biggest challenge facing your organization in 2019? How do you plan to succeed?
Our biggest challenge is scaling the organization. We have had very good success in the market, and customers are excited about what we are doing…. however, that means we have more opportunities to support, and more solutions to develop. The management team and I are raising capital now to expand the team and our facilities in order to address the increased demand.
Who is your technology hero?
While at TI, I had the chance to meet the great Jack Kilby (inventor of the integrated circuit.) I was never big on hero worship growing up, but it really affected me when I found out I was going to meet (him.) Here was the person who was responsible for our entire industry; the reason so many of us had (and continue) to study electrical and computer engineering. And he was such a kind, unassuming person. You could tell, even after the Nobel Prize and the fame, he was still an engineer like me at heart. It was an amazing experience.
What is something people aren’t thinking about that will change technology in the next few years?
The world is filled with companies that work with data. … But there are not nearly as many companies that are looking at the power needed to do all these things. Lots of sensors are very useful, but they still need power to run. How do we power all these smart things we carry around or are present in the world around us, and do it in a way that is safe and efficient? There are ideas, but there are also big hurdles. We have much more work to do before power is available everywhere cellular data is available. Once we achieve that goal, a whole new world of applications opens up that just aren’t possible today.
Can you recall the moment you decided what you wanted to do professionally?
I had always been interested in taking things apart. Alarm clocks, radios…whatever I could get my hands on. Then in the mid 1970s, my father brought me to “bring your sons/daughters to work day”, and sat me down in front of a very early computer terminal. He ran a program and the computer asked me my name. When I typed in my name, it responded “Hello Ken, my name is PDP. Would you like to play a game with me?” I was completely fascinated. After that, it was all about technology, and that feeling still remains the same today.
What should we be teaching children about technology in school right now that we aren’t?
That everything in this world, especially the business world, is about human interaction. … And our technology and business leaders of tomorrow will still need to know how to interact directly with other people, face-to-face, in order to be successful.
“My role is to ensure Spark is in a position to bring about our vision of replacing power cables with wireless power.” – Ken Moore, Chief Executive Officer at Spark Connected.
About Spark Connected
Spark Connected | powering the world, wirelessly Spark connected is an industry leader specializing in multiple advanced and safe wireless power technologies that benefits a wide variety of applications in theAutomotive, Industrial,Infrastructure, Medical, Telecom and Security, Robotics, Factory Automation, IOT,Smart Home, andConsumermarkets. Spark is transforming wireless power delivery and intelligent battery charging with innovative platforms, disruptive technology and breakthrough products enabling an enhanced user experience for all. The company specializes in Product Development and Engineering Solutions with a team of passionate innovators with decades of combined deep domain expertise.
Spark Connected is a Full Member of the Wireless Power Consortium.
Please forward inquiries to: Dana Veal/Ruwanga Dassanayake (972) 855-8026 sales(at)sparkconnected.com
Spark Connected Wireless Power Solution for LiDAR in Autonomous Vehicles
Spark Connected’s new solution named Phoenix, is designed and engineered to wirelessly power LiDAR (Light Detection and Ranging) applications.
DALLAS, TEXAS. August 20, 2019.
Spark Connected, a leading technology developer of advanced and innovative wireless power system solutions, today announced a proprietary high-performance wireless power solution, named The Phoenix designed and engineered for LiDAR (Light Detection and Ranging) applications.
From self-driving autonomous vehicles to automated services robots in residential to floor robots in connected factories (Industry 4.0), LiDAR can be used to measure distance to a target by illuminating the target with laser light and measuring the reflected light with a sensor and thereby creating a 3D map for the application to operate.
“Basic concepts of LIDAR are the same as radar and sonar. While the technology has been around for a while LiDAR is finding more applications as we live in a more automated world. The Phoenix is a unique solution that can power this technology wirelessly in brushless motor environments,” said Emanuel Stingu, Chief Technology Officer at Spark Connected.
Key Features of the Spark Connected Phoenix Wireless Power Solution:
Up to 30W power delivery across higher distances and through rotating assemblies
Solution includes transmitter and receiver
Custom and irregular shaped charging coils
Powered by the Infineon AURIX™ or XMC™ Wireless Power Controller
“The Phoenix is a unique solution that can power LiDAR applications wirelessly in brushless motor environments” – Emanuel Stingu, Chief Technology Officer at Spark Connected.
About Spark Connected
Spark Connected | powering the world, wirelessly Spark connected is an industry leader specializing in multiple advanced and safe wireless power technologies that benefits a wide variety of applications in theAutomotive, Industrial,Infrastructure, Medical, Telecom and Security, Robotics, Factory Automation, IOT,Smart Home, andConsumermarkets. Spark is transforming wireless power delivery and intelligent battery charging with innovative platforms, disruptive technology and breakthrough products enabling an enhanced user experience for all. The company specializes in Product Development and Engineering Solutions with a team of passionate innovators with decades of combined deep domain expertise.
Spark Connected is a Full Member of the Wireless Power Consortium.
Please forward inquiries to: Dana Veal/Ruwanga Dassanayake (972) 855-8026 sales(at)sparkconnected.com
