Product Oct. 16, 2016

Hioki Launches WPT Evaluation System TS2400

First System of its Type in the World Delivers Highly Reproducible Measurement while Fully Automating Evaluation Testing of Wireless Power Transmission Devices

October 16, 2016 - Nagano, Japan

Hioki is pleased to announce the launch of the WPT* Evaluation System TS2400. The system is used to evaluate the transmission efficiency of wireless power transmission equipment, which is expected to see use in an expanding array of applications in the future. Until now, such evaluations have been conducted by hand, posing issues from the standpoint of measurement reproducibility as well as efficiency. By fully automating this process, the TS2400 resolves these and related issues.

The TS2400 is the world’s first system to be capable of automatically evaluating wireless power transmission devices.

*WPT: Wireless Power Transmission

What Is Wireless Power Transmission?
Wireless power transmission is technology for transmitting power without the use of metal contacts or wires. Currently, the technology is being used in products such as mobile phones, electric toothbrushes, and electric shavers, which can be charged simply by placing them on an insulated pad. WPT technology is expected to find use in an ever-growing array of applications, including numerous household electronics and mobile devices as well as to charge electric vehicles while they are parked.

Issues in Evaluating Wireless Power Transmission Technologies
Wireless power transmission technology utilizes the principle of electromagnetic induction. This principle operates on a pair of coils, so that the magnetic field produced in one coil (the transmitting coil) when an AC current flows through it generates an AC current in the other coil (the receiving coil). The AC current generated in the receiving coil is used to charge the battery in the target product.

The magnitude of the AC current that is generated in the receiving coil depends on the relative orientation (i.e., the relative position) of the pair of coils. Consequently, companies developing wireless power transmission technology have evaluated the extent of charging (transmission efficiency) while varying the positions of the coils.

However, the evaluation method used by such companies until now has relied on manual techniques, for example by using a ruler to measure the locations of the coils. Consequently, it has suffered from poor positioning precision and low measurement reproducibility. In addition, reliance on manual measurement also made the process itself inefficient.

Because it automates the measurement tasks necessary in order to evaluate wireless power transmission devices, Hioki’s newly launched TS2400 can resolve these reproducibility and efficiency issues.

APPLICATIONS
Evaluation testing conducted by manufacturers of wireless power transmission devices, such as manufacturers of automobiles, household electronics, and mobile devices

TS2400 FEATURES
1. Reproducible measurement and dramatically improved measurement efficiency through automation of evaluation testing
One coil that has been placed on the movable evaluation stage (which has a diameter of 900 mm) is moved through space. Large coils with a diameter of up to 800 mm can be placed on the stage, which can accommodate measurement of up to about 3000 points per hour. As the stage moves, an instrument can perform multipoint measurement and record both the relative positions of the pair of coils as well as the evaluation results. Automating these evaluation tests eliminates the need for technicians to position the coils manually, making the measurements easily reproducible. In addition, the system can be set up to perform automatic measurements late at night so that they are finished by morning, dramatically improving the efficiency of the evaluation process.

2. Automatic generation of four types of characteristics data based on customer needs
Hioki provides analytical software that integrates the relative positions of the pair of coils along with multiple measurement results to create graphs while performing measurement. Multiple graphs can be selected based on customer needs.

Examples of graphs that can be created by the software:
*2D graphs (X coordinates, efficiency)
*3D graphs (X coordinates, Y coordinates, efficiency)
*Contour graphs (X coordinates, Y coordinates, Z coordinates, efficiency)
*Smith charts

3. Support for a wide range of evaluation parameters when used in combination with Hioki measuring instruments
Evaluation of wireless power transmission devices includes measurement of various parameters, including power transmission efficiency, in which power is actually transmitted and subject to a detailed analysis, and coupling coefficient, in which efficiency is calculated without applying large amounts of power. The Power Analyzer PW6001 and Impedance Analyzer IM3570 can be installed in the TS2400 rack, allowing such evaluation tasks to be carried out automatically and with a high degree of precision. In addition, Hioki instruments such as magnetic field measuring instruments and loggers also can be installed in the rack to allow measurement of evaluation parameters based on customer needs.


About HIOKI

Established in 1935, HIOKI E.E. CORPORATION (TSE: 6866) has grown to become a world leader in providing consistent delivery of test and measuring  instruments through advanced design, manufacturing, and sales and services. By offering over 200 main products characterized by safety and quality while meeting an expansive range of applications, we aim to contribute to the efficiency and value of our customers' work in research and development, production and electrical maintenance. HIOKI products and services are available around the world through our extensive network of subsidiaries and distributors. Information about HIOKI is available at www.hioki.com.

Hioki TS2400 WPT Evaluation System

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