What is USB Power Delivery?

The continuous improvements in USB technology have made them more powerful to charge your devices. One of the stronger USB technologies is USB Power Delivery.

In this blog, we will discuss what this efficient charging technology is and how it works.

USB Power Delivery, also known as USB PD, is a fast-charging standard that USB devices can use. The device charging speed helps to reduce the charging times while creating a safe environment.

Since USB PD uses higher power, they can charge multiple devices including mobile phones, cameras, tablets, and laptops. By using USB PD, these devices can charge over a single USB cable. This differs from other standard USB technologies that require a separate charging port.

How does it work?

USB Power Delivery works by detecting a device’s power needs and providing the correct amount of power. The amount of power ranges from 5W to 100W. Communication between the device and PD charger ensures optimal power delivery which prevents overcharging or undercharging.

For the power delivery process to work the following processes need to work in tandem:

• USB C-Connector
• Power Profiles
• Bi-Directional

USB C-Connector

A USB C-Connector or USB Type-C is a reversible connector that supports higher power levels. The design of a USB C cable lets you insert the plug into your device either face up or face down.

These charging cables have twenty four pins, sixteen for high-speed data transfers, four for charging and four for ground pins.

USB C-Connectors are important for power delivery to handle higher power levels and communicate the optimal power output.

Power Profiles

USB Power Delivery also uses power profile technology to determine how much power a device receives. The power profile used depends on the type of device and the charger used.

Power profiles ranging from 10W to 27W are commonly used for smartphones, tablets and other basic devices. Power profiles ranging from 45W to 100W are commonly used for larger mobile devices, gaming consoles and other devices that require more power.

Bi-Directional Charging

Another component of Power Delivery is the Bi-Directional charging capabilities. This capability allows power to flow in both directions. This means devices not only can charge from a USB PD power source but also be a power source for smaller devices.

With the combination of these three components and technologies, USB Power Delivery can quickly charge devices.

USB Power Delivery comes with several benefits besides faster charging.

One of the benefits of using power delivery is the universal charging solution. Using a single PD charger allows you to charge multiple types of devices. This decreases the amount of clutter with less wires. It also helps with travel since you only need one charger.

Another benefit is the efficient power usage. By having the devices communicate with the connector, only a specific amount of power is delivered. This reduces energy waste and harmful heating from the charger. By having efficient power usage, the lifespan of the battery is extended.

The safety measures are another beneficial reason to use power delivery. Some of the main safety features that PD ports use are overvoltage and overcurrent protection. This ensures the devices are only receiving the necessary power they can handle. These safety measures reduce the risk of damage from faulty chargers or inconsistent power supplies.

Using USB PD solves the problem of exclusivity through standardization. Some manufacturers make phone charger types and other devices specifically for their products. This causes a major problem with people who need to charge their devices from a different brand.

To stop this from happening, USB PD allows you to charge devices from different brands with the same charging cable.

Using power delivery is also important because it allows for two-way charging. Before power delivery, devices needed a charger or power bank to recharge. With power delivery, devices can recharge or charge other devices.

Power delivery technologies are always evolving to create a better experience for the user. Different manufacturers are working to create faster outputs. By working on improving the output, power delivery will continue to grow in a positive direction.

Choosing the right USB PD charger is always important for the best charging quality. For the USB Power Delivery charging you'll need a charger, USB-C cable, and a compatible device.

When choosing the equipment check for the following:

• Power Requirements: Check to see if the charger can produce the correct amount of wattage for the device.
• Compatibility: Ensure the device and charger are compatible with USB PD so they can both use the fast charger with a higher power delivery.
• Quality of the Cable: Certain cables meet industry standards for safety and performance. Look for cables that support USB PD standards.

Once you choose the correct equipment, you can connect them together and charge the device. Check to see how quickly the device is charging to ensure everything is connected correctly.

USB Power Delivery is a standard that encourages fast charging to the multiple devices it supplies. By using power delivery, you too can charge your device quickly.