The Salcomp R&D is focused on improving the cost and energy-efficiency of chargers, on the challenges created by charger technology standardizing and on reducing the size of the chargers. Salcomp is also looking into future power adapters and other alternative solutions.
Salcomp’s main customers usually require highly tailored products to meet their own special requirements. For Salcomp, one of its most important success factors are its expertise and vast experience in demanding product development projects carried out in cooperation with the customers.
The specifications of a new OEM charger are usually developed in cooperation with a single charger manufacturer, after which this manufacturer is the first to start mass deliveries.
The specifications of a new OEM charger will also be submitted to the competitors of the supplier responsible for the design, and they will aim to develop their own solutions to produce a charger with the required specifications. This will ensure that each new charger will be produced by more than one supplier who will be competing mainly on the basis of quality, delivery assurance and pricing.
Energy-efficiency of chargers was improved in 2009
The special areas of focus for R&D in 2009 were improving the energy-efficiency of chargers and lowering the stand-by power consumption, as customers as well as the authorities favor chargers that use less energy than before. In addition to this, the goal was to develop more efficient and smaller chargers to respond to the demand set by phones with versatile functions that use energy and require more efficient and faster chargers.
The goals were reached and, by way of example, the stand-by power consumption of chargers manufactured on the Stratos product platform, introduced by Salcomp in the spring, is less than 0.15 watts. Their energy rating is four stars on a scale of five.
Salcomp’s chargers also have the right to use the international ENERGY STAR energy-efficiency labeling, and Salcomp is also committed to the European CoC Energy-Efficiency Standard.
In addition, Salcomp developed and introduced the Multiplug product platform in which country models are replaced by interchangeable mains plugs. During 2009, the product range was also broadened to higher power range power adapters, e.g. with the 15 watt Nova power adapter.
Emphasis in 2010
In 2010, emphasis will be further put on energy-efficiency requirements and reducing the stand-by power of chargers near zero.
The on-going development in charger technology standardization creates challenges in R&D. The target is to further lower production costs of very small USB chargers.
In addition to customer projects, the focus is on Salcomp’s own product platforms. New products will be introduced to the growing accessory charger market. Furthermore, the product range will broaden by new charger platforms in the medium power range in the 15–50 watt power adapter segment, according to Salcomp’s strategy.