Foreign Object Detection (FOD) in Wireless Charging: Critical Safety Technology

1. FOD Risk Classification

Object TypeDetection DifficultyExamples
MetallicHighCoins/Keys/Clips
MagneticMediumCards/RFID Tags/Earbuds
BiologicalVery HighFingers/Skin

Source: WPC Qi 1.3 Section 12 Safety Requirements

Requires specialized biological detection

2. Detection Technologies Comparison

2.1 Electrical Methods

TechnologyPrinciplePrecisionLimitations
Q-factor MonitoringCoil resonance shift±1mm metalPoor non-metal detection
Impedance AnalysisEquivalent resistance change>50mg metalRequires 1kHz+ sampling
Power Loss MethodInput-output power delta>100mW error marginTemperature-sensitive

3. Qi v2.0 Certification Requirements

Test ItemTest ConditionPass Criteria
Static Metal Test5 coins (Φ18mm)Charging power <2W
Dynamic FOD TestMoving metal (1cm/s)Response time <500ms
Temperature SafetyContinuous operation + FODΔT≤8°C (EN 62368-1)

Multi-technology FOD mandatory from 2024

4. Engineering Challenge Solutions

4.1 Small Metallic Detection (<Φ5mm)

  • 3D Coil Array: 4×4 detection coils with 3mm pitch
  • Pulsed Eddy Current: μs-level pulses for metal identification

4.2 False Alarm Reduction

AI Algorithm: 100k+ sample training for component recognition (99.2% accuracy)

5. Design Checklist

Mandatory Requirements

  • Dual detection: Q-factor + temperature sensing (IEC 63002 compliant)
  • Redundant shutdown: Hardware watchdog + software protection

Prohibited Designs

  • Aluminum enclosures (EMI shielding)
  • Detection thresholds >50% above Qi limits

Glossary

TermDefinition
Quality Factor (Q-value)Resonant circuit efficiency metric
Eddy Current LossEnergy dissipation in conductors
Thermal RunawayUncontrolled temperature increase
Fail-SafeDefault-to-safe failure mode

Qi v2.0 pre-certified modules available (false positive rate <0.01%)

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