Energous Lands FCC Approval for 15W Wireless Power Transmitter

Energous got an FCC Part 18 grant of equipment authorization for 15 watts of conducted wireless power transfer, the company said Wednesday. CEO Cesar Johnston called the approval a “landmark” for Energous, because it allows 15 times more wireless power transfer than previously allowed “without distance limitations.” Energous’ WattUp PowerBridge transmitters, which can charge multiple devices simultaneously at a distance using RF-based wireless power, send at 1- , 5.5- and 15 watts; they also are a data link for connected IoT devices such as sensors, electronic shelf labels (ESLs), IoT tags for asset tracking and batteryless devices, the company said. Energous positions its wireless power technology as an alternative to replaceable batteries, which it says are affected by temperature and frequency of use and require power cables that can add logistical issues and cost. Energous posted Q2 revenue of $233,000 Wednesday, up from $185,000 in the year-ago quarter.