An eyesore and a tripping hazard in one: cable clutter is a real nuisance.
Now a new kind of antenna is set to banish the pest, hidden in tables and supplying electronic devices with power. The “tables” can transmit data, too.
The pretty designer lamp on the table is meant to add charm to the room. If only the annoying cord wasn’t there, then you could also put the lamp in the center of the table when it suited you. In future, you will be able to do just that thanks to SUPA Wireless technology. SUPA stands for Smart Universal Power Antenna, and the technology removes the need for electric cables, whether for lamps, laptops or smartphones. Researchers at the Fraunhofer Institute for Electronic Nano Systems ENAS have developed SUPA Wireless together with colleagues at the University of Paderborn and four medium-sized technology companies. “Without cables, you can put your lamps anywhere you like on the table – and they look better to boot,” says Dr. Christian Hedayat, department head at Fraunhofer ENAS in Paderborn.
But if there are no cables and no batteries, where does the lamp get its electricity from? The principle is similar to that of an induction cooker: fitted in the table is a network of coils, each of which represents one transmitting antenna. If electricity flows through these coils, they generate a magnetic field. This in turn induces electricity into the coil fitted in the lamp, which lights up. However, the researchers were not satisfied with the lamp being supplied with electricity only at a specific point on the table: they wanted it to work anywhere on the tabletop. But this means that a magnetic field has to be generated wherever electricity is required – in other words, on the whole table. One solution would be to install a giant coil in the table, although this would not be very practicable. The researchers opted for a different route: “We populate a printed circuit board (PCB) with numerous antennas in such a way that a magnetic field is generated only under the surface of the receiver. The distances between the antennas and the dimensions of them are carefully chosen to produce a homogeneous field,” says Hedayat.
Cordless lamps available from late 2014
The researchers have also come up with a clever solution to ensure that radiation levels are not excessive: only the antennas fitted directly beneath where the receiver is standing are switched on; all the rest stay switched off. But how does the system recognize where the lamp is standing? “There are two approaches: a physical one and a numerical one,” reveals Hedayat. The physical approach is based on the fact that the antennas perceive the receiver – that is, the lamp – as a specific load. The scientists exploit this electrical “signature”. The researchers are currently working on the numerical approach: the antenna “speaks” with the receiver, asks for its identification, and then inquires whether it is entitled to receive energy. The researchers also plan to make the question of how much energy the lamp needs part of the “conversation”. In order to further reduce radiation, the scientists have restricted it to a very short transmission range above the table. That is enough to power common electronic devices such as cellphones and tablet computers. The final development phase is currently beginning. Now it is a matter of getting the technology market-ready. According to the researchers’ targets, the first application to be launched will be the lamp including PCB in late 2014. The PCBs will be supplied in various sizes so that customers can retrofit both small and large tables.
Go deeper with Bing News on:
Broadcast power
- Move over, slow down fundraiser held for tow truck driver hit by vehicle
A fundraiser was held for AAA tow truck driver Ramon Garcia who is recovering after being hit by a car while loading his truck. FOX 10's Lindsey Ragas has the story.
- Cropduster airplane hits power lines in southern Kansas
A pilot narrowly avoided injuries after hitting power lines with his crop duster airplane in Sumner County. At 10:40 a.m. on Thursday, a man was crop-dusting with a ...
- Columbia protesters say they're at an impasse with administrators and will continue anti-war camp
The students at an encampment at Columbia University who inspired a wave of pro-Palestinian demonstrations across the country dug in for their 10th day Friday, as administrators and police at college ...
- EPA finalizes new rules to reduce pollution
The Environmental Protection Agency issued new rules Thursday to try and reduce air pollution that makes people sick and destroys the climate.
- What channel is Phillies vs. Reds game on today? How to watch, stream Thursday, Apple TV+
The Phillies will have two games streamed exclusively on Apple TV+ this season. While there's still time before the game, if you want to watch it, you'll need a subscription. A monthly subscription to ...
Go deeper with Google Headlines on:
Broadcast power
[google_news title=”” keyword=”Broadcast power” num_posts=”5″ blurb_length=”0″ show_thumb=”left”]
Go deeper with Bing News on:
Cordless lamps
- This TikTok hack gets you one of Dyson’s best features for just $20
TikTok seems to be the go-to place to find quick and easy cleaning hacks, gaining a strong ‘Cleantok’ following. Some are genius ideas while others, not so much — but these all promise to make your ...
- Amazon’s Secret Outlet Is Stuffed with Patio and Garden Sales Right Now — Up to 64% Off
Amazon’s Outlet is packed with patio and garden deals that will help you refresh your outdoor space for less. Pick up patio furniture like chairs, hammocks, and chair covers as well as smaller ...
- Marks and Spencer's rechargeable lamp can be used outdoors and is 'perfect' for dining outside
The neat little lamp can be taken outside, making it perfect for alfresco eating and summer evenings in the garden ...
- 20 Cordless Lamps That Are Equally as Pretty as They Are Practical
Sicis offers cordless lamp that feels modern and playful with glass-blown bulbs stacked on top of one another. The price lies on the higher side but is worth it if you need a lamp that doubles as a ...
- We just spotted 21 of Amazon’s best deals ahead of the weekend: AirPods, DeWalt, more
It’s no secret that we love Amazon. New here? We’re happy to tell you why: The e-tail giant has the best deals on the market, every time. It comes with being the biggest in the game. When you’ve got ...
Go deeper with Google Headlines on:
Cordless lamps
[google_news title=”” keyword=”Cordless lamps” num_posts=”5″ blurb_length=”0″ show_thumb=”left”]