Bidirectional power transfer system, method of operating the same, and wireless power system

A method of operating a bidirectional wireless power transfer system, the system comprising:

• a transceiver element for transferring power by generating an electric field and/or a magnetic field, and for extracting power from a generated electric field and/or a generated magnetic field;
• a power stage electrically connected to the transceiver element, the power stage for inverting an inputted power signal and for rectifying a received power signal;
• a trigger circuit for synchronizing wireless power transfer;
• a clock generator for generating a clock signal;
• a switching element electrically connected to the power stage, and selectively electrically connected to the trigger circuit and the clock generator, such that:
• when the switching element electrically connects the clock generator to the power stage, the transceiver element is configured to transfer power by generating an electric field and/or a magnetic field, and
• when the switching element electrically connects the trigger circuit to the power stage, the transceiver element is configured to extract power from a generated electric field and/or a generated magnetic field;
• and
• a controller operable to connect the clock generator to the power stage, or the trigger circuit to the power stage,
• the method comprising:
• controlling the switching element via the controller to connect the power stage to the trigger circuit to extract power, or
• controlling the switching element via the controller to connect the power stage to the clock generator to transfer power.