Wireless Automotive Charging Testing for Performance

Optimal Wireless Charging in Automotive Environments: Advanced Testing for Performance and Interoperability

Wireless charging technology in automotive environments has moved from a premium feature to a consumer expectation, seamlessly integrating smartphones with vehicles for improved convenience and connectivity. However, the reliable performance of wireless charging in vehicles involves overcoming several technical challenges. Nextgen’s automated wireless charging interoperability testing services specifically address these complex considerations, ensuring consistent performance, maximum compatibility, and exceptional user experiences.

Key Technical Considerations for Automotive Wireless Charging Performance

When integrating wireless charging pads within vehicles, multiple technical factors must be considered to ensure optimal performance:

• Precise Placement of Phone and Charging Pad:
  Effective wireless power transfer depends heavily on precise alignment of transmitter and receiver coils. According to Nextgen's detailed testing data, even minor gaps between the phone and charging pad (2mm to 10mm) can significantly impact charging efficiency, potentially leading to inconsistent charge rates or failure to charge​.
  
  
• Thermal Management and Performance Stability:
  The heat generated during inductive charging can trigger thermal throttling, especially noticeable when smartphones simultaneously run demanding tasks like navigation, active phone calls, or wireless media projection. Nextgen’s extensive testing with smartphones like the Samsung Galaxy S24 series and Google Pixel 9 demonstrates that temperatures typically reach around 42°C, triggering thermal throttling that reduces charging speeds and device performance to prevent overheating. Managing thermal conditions is thus critical to maintaining charging efficiency and safety​.
  
  
• Impact on Connected Technologies (Bluetooth, Android Auto, Apple CarPlay):
  Nextgen testing highlights that wireless charging does not exist in isolation within automotive environments. Devices undergoing wireless charging simultaneously engage in multiple functionalities, including navigation, Bluetooth calls, Wi-Fi projection modes, and media streaming. This concurrent operation can strain device resources, affecting battery charging speed, wireless connectivity stability, and device responsiveness​. Proper testing ensures these technologies function harmoniously, maintaining seamless user experiences without interruptions or dropouts.

Above: Wireless charge performance test using cobot control to position the mobile phone incrementally and measure charging performance.

Above: Wireless charge thermal characterisation of device while charging in various loading modes and different gaps between device and charger. As CPU duty cycles increase temperature rises till throttling or shutdown occurs.

The Role of Qi2: Enhancing Vehicle Charging Interoperability

The introduction of the Qi2 standard, incorporating a Magnetic Power Profile (MPP), significantly enhances in-vehicle wireless charging by addressing alignment issues through magnetic coupling. This leads to improved user convenience and higher charging efficiency compared to the previous standard, and is particularly useful in a moving vehicle.

Qi2 ensures better compatibility across leading smartphone brands—including Apple's iPhones and flagship Android devices—making it essential for automotive suppliers to validate compliance with this updated standard to deliver superior customer experiences.

Nextgen’s Comprehensive Automated Testing Solutions

Nextgen provides comprehensive automated testing designed specifically for the automotive environment, covering crucial aspects including:

• Real-Time Power Output Analysis:
  Nextgen precisely measures the power delivered to smartphones during realistic scenarios such as media streaming, phone calls, navigation, and simultaneous wireless projection to vehicle infotainment systems​.
  
  
• Thermal Profiling and Management:
  Automated thermal sensors rigorously monitor phone and charger temperatures, pinpointing scenarios where heat could impair charging or lead to thermal throttling. This data-driven approach helps automotive suppliers design thermal management systems that enhance both safety and efficiency​.
  
  
• Alignment and Gap Sensitivity Tests:
  Through automated tools, Nextgen systematically tests varying phone-to-charger gaps and alignment positions, crucial for validating the performance of Qi-certified wireless charging systems in the real-world driving environment, including the use of various phone cases that consumers commonly use​.
  
  
• Compatibility with Leading Smartphones:
  Nextgen maintains an extensive inventory of flagship smartphones from global brands (Samsung Galaxy S24 series, Google Pixel models, Apple iPhone 16 Pro Max, etc.), ensuring extensive interoperability testing coverage for worldwide markets​.
  
  
• Interruption and Foreign Object Detection (FOD) Tests:
  Nextgen rigorously evaluates charger performance under realistic conditions, including ignition on/off cycles and the presence of foreign objects, ensuring chargers reliably resume operations automatically and maintain user safety.

Why Automotive Suppliers Choose Nextgen’s Automated Testing Services

Nextgen’s testing solutions provide automotive suppliers with clear, strategic advantages:

• Improved Product Reliability:
  Comprehensive interoperability testing reduces risks of consumer dissatisfaction due to device incompatibility, intermittent charging performance, or thermal issues, enhancing overall customer satisfaction.
  
  
• Accelerated Development Cycles:
  Automated tests quickly provide actionable data, streamlining product development and significantly accelerating time-to-market.
  
  
• Increased Market Confidence:
  Products tested by Nextgen instil confidence among automotive manufacturers and consumers alike, clearly demonstrating robust interoperability and dependable performance with all global smartphone brands.

Ensure Optimal Wireless Charging Performance in Your Vehicles Today

In the competitive automotive market, superior customer experiences and reliable in-vehicle technologies differentiate leading brands. Nextgen empowers OEMs and tier1 suppliers by providing advanced, automated wireless charger testing services, delivering peak charging performance and unmatched device interoperability.

Ready to ensure seamless wireless charging interoperability in your automotive solutions? Contact Nextgen now to find out more and arrange a demonstration of our state-of-the-art automated wireless charger testing services.

To find out more about Nextgen's testing and automation as a service please contact Nextgen or call +44 3331 120 000 or lets set up an online meeting.