Wireless charging technology is now standard in smartphones, wearables, and automotive applications. However, bringing a wireless charging product to market requires navigating multiple certification schemes including Qi, PMA, and FCC regulations. This guide explains the complete certification pathway.
Qi Certification (Wireless Power Consortium)
Qi is the dominant wireless charging standard with over 5,000 certified products. The certification process involves:
• Compatibility Testing: Verify interoperability with existing Qi devices
• Safety Testing: Foreign object detection (FOD), temperature monitoring
• Power Profile Validation: Baseline Power Profile (BPP: 5W) or Extended Power Profile (EPP: 15W)
• Protocol Testing: Digital ping, identification, configuration, and power transfer phases
FCC Part 15 Requirements
In the United States, wireless chargers must comply with FCC Part 15 Subpart B (unintentional radiators) or Subpart C (intentional radiators):
• Radiated Emissions: Limits at 30 MHz - 1 GHz and above 1 GHz
• Conducted Emissions: AC power line conducted limits
• RF Exposure: SAR (Specific Absorption Rate) or MPE (Maximum Permissible Exposure) evaluation
• Frequency Range: Typically 110-205 kHz for inductive charging
EMC and Safety Standards
Beyond Qi and FCC, wireless chargers must meet:
• IEC 62368-1: Audio/video and IT equipment safety
• IEC 60950-1: Traditional IT equipment safety (phasing out)
• EN 301 489: EMC for radio equipment (EU)
• CE Marking: Required for EU market entry
• IC Certification: Industry Canada requirements
Common Certification Failures
1. RF Emissions Exceed Limits: Poor shielding or filtering design
2. Foreign Object Detection Issues: Fails to detect metal objects
3. Temperature Rise: Exceeds safety limits during extended charging
4. Interoperability Problems: Incompatible with reference Qi receivers
5. Labeling Errors: Missing FCC ID, Qi logo misuse