USB Power Delivery
USB Power Delivery (USB PD) is a protocol standard developed by the USB Implementers Forum (USB-IF) to enable higher power delivery through USB cables/connectors. While traditional USB standards support limited power output, USB PD was introduced to meet the growing power demands of modern electronic devices.
USB PD 3.2 significantly increases the power delivery capacity—from the 5W limit of USB 2.0 up to 240W. This makes it an ideal solution for charging and powering a wide range of devices, including laptops, tablets, smartphones, and power banks.
One of USB PD’s key features is its bidirectional power negotiation. Devices and chargers can communicate to determine the most suitable power level based on actual needs. This dynamic adjustment not only optimizes charging efficiency but also reduces unnecessary power consumption.
In short, USB Power Delivery enhances the flexibility and efficiency of USB as a power solution by enabling higher power transmission and intelligent power management. For more information about USB PD certification, please refer to the USB-IF website here.
USB Power Delivery 3.2 Certification Test Items
In August, 2019, USB-IF released 「USB Power Delivery Specification Revision 3.2」with the addition of three new voltage ranges of 28V, 36V, and 48V allows for maximum power delivery of 140W, 180W, and 240W, respectively.
To achievepower greater than 100W, the product should support the Extended Power Range.
The PD 3.1 standard integrated the contents of PD 3.0 into the Standard Power Range (SPR), maintaining a maximum power of 100W. Additionally, it introduces the Extended Power Range (EPR). To support a charging power of 240W, the charger, cable, and terminal device must all be compatible with EPR. The cable, in particular, needs to support specifications of up to 5A and 50V. The maximum charging power can reach 240W.
The Key feature of USB PD 3.2 is Key characteristics:
Adjustable Voltage Supply (AVS) which enables the device under charge to manage the charger by requesting specific voltages to 100-mV resolutions
Mandatory at 15V and above for chargers in excess of 100W
Mandatory at 9V and above for charges less than 100W
The new specifications also include three fixed voltage options: 28V (exceeding 100W), 36V (exceeding 140W), and 48V (exceeding 180W), along with three sets of adjustable voltage.
Due to the increase in maximum charging power, the new USB PD architecture establishes stricter power protocols to ensure the safe use of high-power products. For products in the power range of 100-240W, corresponding safety requirements will be more rigorous, and it is necessary to understand the relevant safety regulations in each country.