Description of the principle of operation of wireless chargers; what are they called and are they dangerous

Although the traditional charger is more common, it is worth knowing that there are also wireless chargers for phones. They work on the principle of electromagnetic induction, which produces a voltage of current in a conductor placed in an alternating magnetic field, or in a conductor moving in a constant magnetic field. It is worth taking a closer look at wireless chargers: what else are they called, are they safe for humans.

Phones before and now

Let's go back to the days when smartphones weren't as common as they are today. Back then, people relied on phones that are ridiculous by today's standards, tied to one place, which consisted of only two necessary elements: the dial pad and the handset itself.

In those days, people probably wouldn't have taken seriously the idea of ​​a portable phone that they could carry around in their pocket. It would be like science fiction!

Now we return to our time. Nowadays, finding a person who would not carry a smartphone with him, no matter where he goes, is a rather difficult task. But now the problem with smartphones is very common - more precisely, with their batteries, which are ready to discharge in a matter of hours. However, wireless devices have ushered in a new era in mobile phone battery charging.

How an induction charger works

A wireless phone charger is scientifically called an induction charger. It consists of two primary induction coils. One is located in the charging base area and is responsible for generating alternating current in the base area. The other is in the device being charged. This coil can be attached to your phone, it can be built into it, or it can be in a removable cover. Together, these two coils make up an electrical transformer.

When the base is plugged into an outlet, an alternating current flows through the first coil and creates a alternating electromagnetic field. When the second coil (which is located on the device being charged) enters the field created around the first, an electric current is generated in it. The alternating current passing into the second coil is converted into direct current, this happens in the receiver circuit. And the generated constant current can already be used to charge the smartphone battery.

So, everything is simple:

• Your smartphone and base have special coils.
• When the two coils get close enough to each other, an electric current is generated in your phone.
• The current is converted from AC to DC and supplied to the battery. She's charging.

Advantages and disadvantages of wireless chargers

The main advantage of inductive charging is the absence of wires. You no longer have to unravel them.

In addition, all connections are subject to less wear, which reduces the risk of electrical faults.

But there is also a downside to the coin..

• The biggest drawback of such charging is its low energy efficiency, since most of the energy is dissipated.
• As a result, it takes longer to charge the phone than if you charged with a classic charger.
• On top of all this, the wireless charger costs more.

Are such devices safe

There is a well-established tradition to be afraid of anything that emits "waves" and "signals". And we say without a doubt that they harm us to some extent (for example, microwaves, routers and even smartphones). However, like most of the things listed, this wireless wonder is completely safe.

The electromagnetic field that the base creates is not strong enough to harm humans. In fact, these devices can be even safer than conventional ones, since they eliminate interaction with wires, which means that you are protected from even the smallest chance of being susceptible to electric shock.

In the late 1800s, the eminent scientist Nikola Tesla first put forward the idea that electricity could be transmitted between two objects by means of electromagnetic fields. In other words, Tesla foresaw the concept of inductive charging almost 2 centuries before its appearance. Unsurprisingly, they call him the man who invented the 20th century.

How to start using

If you want to charge your device in this way, you will need a smartphone that supports this function and a compatible base. There are also adapters that allow you to add wireless charging support to smartphones if they didn't initially have this option.

Some popular smartphones that support wireless charging:

• Apple iPhone 8, iPhone 8 Plus and iPhone X;
• Samsung Galaxy Note 8 and Galaxy Note 5;
• Samsung Galaxy S8, S8 +, S8 Active, S7, S7 Edge, S7 Active;
• LG G6 (US and Canada versions) and LG V30;
• Motorola Moto Z, Moto Z Play, Moto Z2 Force, Moto Z2 Play (there are versions with and without support).

Now you know a little more about wireless phone chargers: what they are called, how they work, how safe they are and how you can start using them today.