USB power, also known as USB PD (Power Delivery), is a new standard for charging devices over USB. It replaces the previous standard, USB BC 1.2. While BC 1.2 could only deliver up to 7.5W of power, USB PD can provide up to 240W of power. In this blog post, we'll look at what USB power is and how it works. We'll also explore the features of using USB power.
A Breakdown of USB Power
USB ports are found on almost every type of electronic device, from PCs and laptops to smartphones and tablets. They are also found on many other larger devices, such as TVs, game consoles, and car stereos.
What is USB Power?
USB power is a type of power delivery that uses universal serial bus technology to supply electric power to devices. It is also known as USB charging. Many electronic devices can be charged via USB cable, including phones, tablets, and laptops.
What is USB Power Delivery?
USB Power Delivery (USB PD) is a specification for delivering power to devices over a USB connection. It was developed by the USB Implementers Forum (USB-IF), and version 3.1 was released in 2021.
USB PD allows for much higher power delivery than previous versions of USB, with maximum current and voltage ratings of 5A and 20V. It also allows different power profiles to be negotiated between devices. So, they can optimize power delivery based on their needs. USB PD is supported by many major device manufacturers and is increasingly being adopted as the standard method for providing power to devices over USB.
The most common design of a USB port is the standard USB Type-A port. This is the rectangular port found on almost all devices. Another type is the USB Type C port. The USB Type-C port is a newer type of port slowly becoming more popular. It is a small, oval-shaped port. USB Type-C ports connect to USB-C cables and are typically found on devices that require more power, such as laptops, computers, and some TVs.
Features of USB Power
USB power is a popular way to power small electronics. It has a few key features that make it attractive for powering devices. USB power comes in a few specifications: USB 2.0, USB 3.0, and USB Power Delivery (USB-PD). USB 2.0 can provide up to 2.5W of power, while USB 3.0 can provide up to 4.5W. USB-PD is a newer specification that can provide up to 100W of power.
The following are the key features of USB power.
Increased Standard Power Delivery up to 240W
USB power has seen some new developments in recent years, with one of the most notable being an increase in standard power delivery up to 240W. This is a huge jump from the previous standard of just 15W, and it opens up many new possibilities for external devices that need to be powered by USB.
One of the most obvious applications for this increased power delivery is to charge laptops and other devices that require more than 15W of power. With the new standard, it's now possible to charge these devices quickly and efficiently using USB power.
Another potential application is to provide power to devices that need more than 15W of power to operate. This could include devices like external hard drives or even some types of industrial equipment.
2-Way Power Direction
A 2-way power direction allows both powering and being powered by another device through the USB connection. This is a key specification for USB power and is essential for certain applications.
New USB specifications require devices to both provide power and draw power from the USB connection. This is often referred to as "two-way" or "dual-role" power. The ability for a device to both provide and consume power adds an extra layer of flexibility and convenience to the USB standard.
Power Management Across Peripherals
As a feature, USB power management allows devices to control the power usage of individual peripherals. This is done by specifying power rates and versions of USB devices and hubs. Power management is important for two reasons:
First, by reducing the power consumption of devices, system power consumption can be reduced. This is important for battery-operated devices, which need to minimize power consumption to extend battery life.
Second, by reducing the power consumption of individual devices, the heat generated by those devices can be reduced. This is important in both general thermal management and in reducing the risk of fire.
The device's power specification controls USB power management, which specifies the maximum power that the device can draw from the USB bus. The power specification is a function of the USB version and the number of pins on the connector.
Fast charging Technology
Fast-charging technology has come a long way since its inception. The various specifications and versions of this technology have different rates, but all aim to provide a faster way to charge devices.
The first specification, USB 2.0, had a maximum charging rate of 2.5W. The latest specification, USB 3.1, can provide up to 100W of power.
There are two main types of fast-charging technology:
- Proprietary, like Qualcomm's Quick Charge
- Open standards, like the USB Power Delivery specification
Proprietary fast charging technologies are usually only available with specific devices and chargers that support the same technology. Open standards like USB Power Delivery can be used with any compatible device and charger. The main advantage of fast charging technology is that it allows you to charge your devices more quickly.
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