Usb power delivery

USB Power Delivery

Definition of USB power Delivery :



Power Delivery (PD) is a specification for handling higher power and allows a range of devices to charge quickly over a USB connection. It operates by facilitating a conversation between two devices to negotiate a power contract so they can determine how much power can be pulled from the charger. Power Delivery starts at the 5V setting and is configurable up to 20V. Using a standard USB-C cable, it can handle up to 60W and will go up to 100W
using a designated EMCA cable.
Another point of interest regarding Power Delivery is that it allows for power to flow both ways, with no set direction based on circuit or connection. For example, if you were to connect two phones that support Power Delivery with a USB-C charging cable, one phone could charge the other and vice versa.



USB-C v/s USB PD? Better option:


USB- Power Delivery (USB PD) is a specification standard that supports power delivery up to 100W while transmitting data over the same cable at the same time. USB Type-C is a new reversible USB connector specification that can support several new standards including USB 3.1 (Gen 1 and Gen 2), Display Port and USB power delivery. The USB Type-C ports by default can support the power of 5 V up to 3A. If the USB Type-C port is implemented with USB PD, it can support up to 100W as defined in the USB PD specification. So, having a USB Type-C port does not mean that it supports USB PD.



USB Type – C Specification

The USB Type-C Cable and Connector Specification define a new receptacle, plug, cable, and detection mechanisms that are compatible with the existing USB interface. The specification covers various aspects such as the performance requirements of Type-C receptacles, plugs, and cable assemblies. It defines USB Type-C to legacy cable assemblies for compatibility with legacy USB designs. It also describes USB-PD, optimized for the USB Type-C connector. The USB Type-C ports by default can support the power of 5 V up to 3A without power delivery. The USB Type-C Cable and Connector Specification define a standardized mechanism that supports Alternate Modes, such as repurposing the connector for docking-specific applications. Note that it is not an extension of the USB data protocol. The USB Type-C port can support USB 2.0, USB 3.1 Gen1, and USB 3.1 Gen2 data.



USB-PD 2.0 Specification


The USB-PD specification defines a power delivery system covering all elements of a USB system including hosts, devices, hubs, chargers, and cable assemblies. This specification describes the architecture, protocols, power supply behavior, connectors, and cabling required for managing power delivery over USB Type-C port at up to 100W. The USB-PD 1.0 specification defined a power delivery protocol using binary frequency shift keying (BFSK) signaling for legacy USB ports. The USB-PD 2.0 specification defines power delivery over USB Type-C connectors, which is based on biphase mark coding (BMC) signaling. This specification is intended to be fully compatible and extend the existing USB infrastructure. It is worthwhile to note that the USB Power Delivery is designed to operate independently of the existing USB bus defined mechanisms. The following figure compares the power capability of the legacy USB ports with those of the USB Type-C port with power delivery.




Future of USB PD:
The standard that we’re talking about is USB-C and the fast charging tech is Power Delivery. Even though many Android smartphones are still Quick Charge compatible, almost all of them now use a USB-C port for charging and connectivity and are also Power Delivery compatible, too.
The use of USB-C Power Delivery has even been taken to newer iPhone models. Even though current iPhones are still using the same Lightning port, you’re able to fast charge an iPhone with a Power Delivery charger with a USB-C to Lightning cable. Not many people know that, as the iPhone still comes with a 5W charger out of the box, and that is a questionable choice for a high-end brand that is selling a $1,000 phone.
Moving onto charging larger devices such as laptops using USB-C Power Delivery, there are quite a lot of laptops that are compatible with the fast charging tech. Apple’s MacBook was a laptop that made a heavy statement with its use a single USB-C port back in 2013, showing that USB-C is what they’re using and that their customer base will have to be accustomed to using it.
So, we just got done talking about how Power Delivery can fast-charge smartphones, but how can it charge laptops? Well, PD charging has different ranges of power. Power Delivery charging starts at 18W and goes up from there. Even an 18W USB-C Power Delivery port can charge some USB-C laptops on the market, although you may get a message on your laptop that says your laptop is charging slowly.
The solution to this is to get a higher rated Power Delivery charger such as a 30W PD charger or 45W – 60W charger. This way, you’re able to charge your laptop at optimal power, and you’re also able to fast charge your smartphone. Wait a sec, using a 60W PD charger to charge a USB-C smartphone? Sounds crazy, right? Well, it does sound crazy, but it can be done and it’s completely safe as your phone can accept a certain amount of power and therefore it doesn’t get damaged.

Author : SUBHAJEET KHAWAS



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