USB- Power Delivery (USB PD) is a specification standard which supports power delivery up to 100W while transmitting data over the same cable at same time. USB Type-C is a new reversible USB connector specification that can support a number of 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 USB Type-C port is implemented with USB PD, it can support up to 100W as defined in the USB PD specification. So, having USB Type-C port does not mean that it supports USB PD.
When thinking about USB ports and connectors, USB Type A likely comes to mind. This is the flat, rectangular connector/port most commonly used in everything from computers and laptops to wall chargers and flash drives. Other USB connector shapes include USB Micro, Mini, Type B, and Apple Lightning.
However, a different USB connector shape has emerged in recent years, and it’s becoming more prevalent with each new iteration of popular phones, laptops, and more. Chances are, if you have a brand new MacBook or Android smartphone, you are utilizing USB-C.
USB-C AND POWER DELIVERY
Situated on the face of our BLUETTI AC50 power stations port :USB-C PD Power Delivery. supports a dynamic fast charging technology called 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. Using a standard USB-C cable, it can handle up to 45W.
CHOOSING THE RIGHT CHARGER
When it comes to selecting the right charging solution for your USB-C device, there are a few things to keep in mind. First, Power Delivery rating is not the same as power bank rating. A power bank rated at 45W, for example, may refer to the the total output of all ports. Just because it includes a USB-C port, does not necessarily mean that port supports Power Delivery and will output 45W on that one port alone. Instead, keep an eye out for a charging solution that includes a USB-C port with a specific Power Delivery rating of up to 45W. Next, watch out for the voltage supported by the charger. Most only support a few fixed voltages which you’ll want to verify are supported by your device for the fastest charge.
In order to ensure you are getting the most from your charge source, be it a USB-C power bank or power station, it’s best to take a look at the adapter that came with your device and match the ratings with those of the charging device. Otherwise you may get stuck with a slower than expected charge rate.
UNIVERSAL CHARGING SOLUTION
Imagine a world in which one cable was the be-all and end-all charging solution for all of your gadgets. No more scrambling to cram multiple cords into packs and bags, or struggling to figure out which connector matches with which device. It’s never easy to know exactly what the future of charging will look like, but this could become a reality sooner rather than later. USB-C and Power Delivery are already on track to provide a universal charging solution for everything from phones to laptops thanks to broad industry adoption of the standard which takes the guesswork out of cable and charger compatibility.
