ROHM Unveils Automotive-Grade Wireless Charger with Integrated NFC for Seamless Connectivity

ROHM has announced a cutting‑edge automotive wireless charging system that marries its AEC‑Q100 qualified power transmission IC (BD57121MUF‑M) with STMicroelectronics’ NFC reader IC (ST25R3914) and an STM8A series microcontroller. The solution complies with the WPC Qi standard, supports the Extend Power Profile (EPP) and delivers up to 15 W of power.

Its innovative multi‑coil architecture expands the charging zone 2.7× beyond a single‑coil design, granting drivers a generous margin of error when placing their smartphone on the pad. This spatial flexibility is a key advantage for vehicle integration.

Wireless charging, prized for eliminating exposed connectors and enhancing water‑ and dust‑resistance, is rapidly proliferating in automotive, hospitality, and public‑space infrastructure. Qi has already been adopted by the European Automotive Standards Group (CE4A), and industry forecasts indicate that by 2025 the majority of new cars will feature Qi‑compliant wireless chargers.

The embedded NFC channel adds a layer of security and convenience: it authenticates the user, unlocks doors, initiates engine start, and synchronizes personalized settings such as seat, mirror, infotainment presets, and navigation destinations for multiple drivers.

Qi’s foreign‑object detection safeguards against metallic obstructions. ROHM’s design extends this protection to the NFC antenna, ensuring that the magnetic field cannot harm an NFC card, even when it is inside a phone case. The integrated NFC functionality can detect the card’s presence reliably.

Traditionally, pairing a smartphone with a vehicle’s infotainment system required manual Bluetooth or Wi‑Fi setup. By combining Qi charging with NFC authentication, ROHM enables instant, hands‑free pairing: simply place the phone on the pad, and the infotainment and navigation screens automatically mirror the device.

Looking ahead, NFC‑based connectivity is poised to become the standard for smart device integration in vehicles, eliminating the need for conventional keys or dedicated cards.