ROHM Unveils Innovative Wireless Power Chipset for Compact Wearables
ROHM Unveils Innovative Wireless Power Chipset for Compact Wearables
Kyoto, Japan – April 28, 2026 - ROHM Co., Ltd. has made significant strides in wireless charging technology with the launch of its new IC chipset designed specifically for compact wearable devices. This cutting-edge technology includes both a power receiver, ML7670, and transmitter, ML7671, that utilize Near Field Communication (NFC) to facilitate charging. The rapid growth of the smart ring market has highlighted the need for a reliable charging solution, which is often a challenge given the small size of wearables.
Traditional wired charging methods are impractical for ultra-compact accessories, and existing wireless charging standards, like Qi charging, present challenges linked to the size of the coils required. In contrast, ROHM’s innovative chipset harnesses NFC’s high frequency of 13.56MHz, making it more feasible for miniaturized antennas. This technology allows manufacturers to efficiently design next-generation wearables while overcoming many of the obstacles faced by earlier charging solutions.
The new chipset builds upon the previous models, ML7660 and ML7661, enhancing their performance to meet the modern demands of wearables. It can transfer a maximum of 250mW of power, while also integrating peripheral components like the switching MOSFETs, necessary for powering the charging IC. This feature optimizes both the device size and the energy efficiency, crucial for small, wearable gadgets.
In particular, the ML7670 power receiver has achieved an impressive power transfer efficiency of 45% within the 250mW low output range, all housed in a compact form factor measuring just 2.28mm x 2.56mm x 0.48mm. Additionally, all firmware essential for wireless power delivery is embedded directly within the IC, eliminating the requirement for an external host MCU, further simplifying the design process for developers.
Compliance with the NFC Forum WLC 2.0 standard means this chipset can transfer power while ensuring compatibility with existing NFC-capable devices, effectively positioning it as a key player in the growing ecosystem of NFC wireless power technology. As wearables continue to rise in popularity, ROHM’s chipset aims to set a new benchmark for efficiency and user experience.
The chipset is already in mass production and has been incorporated into SOXAI RING 2, the latest incarnation of the popular sleep-monitoring ring by SOXAI Inc., which was launched on December 10, 2025. This partnership exemplifies how ROHM’s technology is reshaping the wearable market and enhancing user convenience.
Application possibilities for ROHM's wireless power chipset extend beyond rings and bands, including smart pens, wireless earphones, and other compact devices. As the trend toward smaller, more efficient wearable technology accelerates, ROHM's innovation could pave the way for an expanded range of products benefiting from advanced NFC charging capabilities.
With the invention of this new chipset, ROHM reinforces its status as a leading developer of compact power solutions, providing the necessary tools for manufacturers to create the next generation of innovative wearables. The introduction of this technology could significantly alter how we perceive and use wearable devices in the coming years.
In conclusion, ROHM’s ultra-compact wireless power chipset represents a transformative development in the wearable tech landscape, aiding the ongoing evolution of design and functionality within a rapidly growing market.