In late 2010 an R&D lab at one of the world’s largest microprocessor manufacturers was tasked with identifying solutions to improve the effectiveness of a wireless power transfer system. This article summarizes the thought process and methods used in generating the associated problem model and how the general solution directions were identified.

Background

A wireless power system transmits electrical power “through the air,” as opposed to through a solid conductor such as wiring. As one can imagine, not being tethered to an electrical power outlet and not using batteries would be a big plus for a wide variety of electrical appliances, including computing platforms.

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