STWLC68: Low‑BOM, High‑Efficiency Wireless Charging for 5G Devices

Wireless charging has become a cornerstone of modern mobile experience, offering a frictionless way to power smartphones and tablets. As 5G networks demand higher data rates and greater power, efficient charging solutions are more critical than ever.

STMicroelectronics introduces the fully integrated STWLC68 family—designed to deliver maximum power transfer efficiency while keeping the external bill of materials (BOM) to a minimum. With this architecture, manufacturers can seamlessly embed advanced wireless charging into a wide range of devices, from flagship phones to budget tablets.

The STWLC68 harnesses ST’s proprietary high‑voltage technology, a robust mixed‑signal design, and rigorous quality assurance to provide a state‑of‑the‑art wireless charging experience. It supports the Qi 1.2.4 protocol, ensuring full compatibility with every Qi‑certified device on the market.

Key features include:

• Fully integrated low‑impedance, high‑voltage synchronous rectifier and low‑drop linear regulator for peak efficiency and minimal heat.
• Dynamic digital core that adjusts rectifier and regulator settings across a wide load range, controlled via an I2C interface.
• Embedded OTP memory to store configuration parameters, auto‑loaded at power‑up for zero‑touch deployment.
• Versatile power options—from over 20 W down to sub‑5 W—accommodating both high‑power and low‑power use cases.

For rapid development, ST offers two evaluation boards:

• STEVAL-ISB68RX – ideal for standard 5 W charging applications.
• STEVAL-ISB68WA – optimized for low‑power, PCBA‑sensitive projects at 2.5 W.

Both kits feature USB‑based configuration, simplifying prototyping and integration.

Figure 1: STEVAL-ISB68RX evaluation board (Source: STMicroelectronics)

Figure: STEVAL-ISB68WA evaluation board (Source: STMicroelectronics)