Powercast: Wireless Power Platform Networks

Powercast: Wireless Power Platform Networks

Group 8

Paul Mcnutt, Colby Holland, Brandon Carpenter, and Blake Williams

Key Words: Algorithms, Radio Frequency (RF), Powercaster, Powerharvester

Powercast is a company founded in 2003 for the purpose of developing a wireless platform that would help revolutionize wireless potential in a more conventional way. Powercast’s plans are to release its first products later this year. The company’s headquarters is in Ligonier, Pennsylvania.

Powercast Company’s Wireless Platform is a new hardware device that integrates the use of radio frequencies (RF) and the ability to charge electronic devices. Powercast takes radio frequencies and sends them out through an antenna to produce an electrical current that can charge devices compatible with the product. The list of compatible products is seemingly endless whereas anything powered via a rechargeable battery can be powered with Powercast technology There are many benefits associated with Powercast, one of the main and more obvious benefits is the elimination of hard-wired circuitry for the purpose of providing power to such devices.

The implementation of this unique twist on RF technology will facilitate the growing trend towards telecommuting as a major trend in everyday business. With the worry of “losing juice” at critical times and the cost of constantly recharging these devices out of the way, business instantly become far more efficient than ever thought possible.

The actual transmitter (Powercaster) is a small module with an attached antenna and the entire unit is no larger than a credit card. These Powercaster modules are programmable frequency sources for use in RF power harvesting applications. With the use of the highly integrated Powercaster module transmitter design is greatly simplified. What the Powercaster does is use radio frequencies much in the same way a radio station would use them to broadcast a radio show. Patented algorithms were formulated to increase the range and power output in comparison with normal RF output. Once the desired range is determined, the module simply connects to the device and it begins receiving new age RF power immediately.

Any of the products compatible with the Powercaster and also in its conceptual range will benefit from the wireless charging capabilities. Powercast has made great steps to produce both the receivers (Powerharvester) and transmitters in order to optimize maximum output. To complement the Powercaster modules they use highly efficient RF-to-DC Powerharvester converters for use in power harvesting applications.

What these new wireless platforms will do for business is do exactly what the products of today fail to do for businesses, and that is save money and work more efficiently. These Powercasters will eliminate the use of complicated wiring systems, thus eliminating much of the installation time required for some of the same products that have wires. Powercast has made the product environmentally friendly with the elimination of batteries for many compatible products.

The cost per watt is cheaper for the Powercaster when compared alongside to the cost standard batteries. One of the most important things that this emerging technology will do is provide power to these devices on an “as needed” basis. Convenience is maximized with wireless charging and the life span of these batteries will greatly improve as a direct result.

Overall, Powercast’s Wireless Platform has simplified the charging of many of our everyday electronics such as cell phones, PDA’s, laptops, iPods, and so on. Companies and consumers alike can utilize this exciting new technology to become more efficient on both sides of the economic spectrum: as buyers and sellers. As the Generation “Y” era begins to transform and evolve itself into that of a new Generation “Z” the backbone of its technologies must also evolve right alongside. That is what Powercast has set out to do and they have definitely taken a large step in the right direction. Businesses will be excited to climb on board and make use of the new age Powercasters.

Powercast Company (2007.) Powercast Environmental Impact Whitepaper