USB Power Delivery Introduction
USB Power Delivery (USB PD) is a standard established by the USB Implementers Forum (USB-IF) with the aim of providing higher power capabilities through USB connectors. Traditional USB specifications offer limited power, but with the increasing demand for more power in modern devices, USB PD has emerged.
USB PD allows delivering power through USB connectors up to 100 watts (later increased to 240W), which is significantly higher than the 5 watts or lower power limits of traditional USB 2.0 and USB 3.0. This increased power capability makes USB PD an ideal charging and power delivery solution for many devices, including laptops, tablets, smartphones, power banks, and more.
An important feature of USB PD is its bidirectional communication capability. Chargers and devices can negotiate the optimal power level by exchanging information to meet the specific needs of the device. This means that USB PD can provide the appropriate power level based on the device's requirements, avoiding energy waste and ensuring charging efficiency.
In summary, USB Power Delivery, by offering higher power capabilities and supporting bidirectional communication, makes the USB connector a more flexible and efficient charging and power delivery standard.
You can refer to the certification process of USB Power Delivery and the official certification organization USB-IFHere
USB Power Delivery 3.1 Certification Testing Items
On May 26th, 2021, USB-IF released 「USB Power Delivery Specification Revision 3.1the addition of voltage ranges of 28V, 36V, and 48V allows for maximum power delivery of 140W, 180W, and 240W, respectively. To achieve ultra-high charging power, the product should support the Extended Power Range specification in PD 3.1.
The PD 3.1 standard integrates 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 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.