What is Power Delivery?
With technology so integrated into our daily lives, it’s almost absurd to imagine waiting around for a device to charge—and yet we still do it all the time. At this point, most USB chargers are equipped with one type of fast-charging technology or another, with the hot new tech upgrading every couple of years. Fortunately, as the tech industry moves closer and closer toward USB-C as the new universal standard for charging, you’ll find that one fast-charging technology easily dominates the others: USB Power Delivery (USB PD).
Power Delivery packs a serious punch compared to previous fast-charging technologies, making it a must-have for anyone with a smartphone, tablet, or even a laptop. Here’s everything you need to know about USB PD:
How does Power Delivery work?
USB PD is specifically designed to handle higher power than conventional chargers, allowing a range of compatible USB devices to charge extremely fast comparatively. It works by analyzing the specific charging needs of a device to negotiate a power contract between the charger and the connected USB PD-compatible device.
Power Delivery starts at 5V, but it can be configured as high as 48V with the current specification standards. This allows a USB PD charger to enable as high as 240W of power, depending on the individual device. USB-C connectors have been designed hand-in-hand with USB PD to handle these higher levels of power, which is why a device should be PD-compatible for optimal charging. Compatible USB-C circuit boards are specially designed to carry this increased wattage without being damaged or overheating, offering enhanced safety to both users and their devices.
Another interesting aspect of USB PD is that it allows for power to flow both ways, with no set direction based on circuit or connection. For example, if you were to use a USB-C cable to connect two smartphones that both support USB PD, one phone could be used to charge the other.
Why is it better?
USB PD can charge compatible devices up to 70% faster than standard 5W charging, which may be able to charge your smartphone in as little as 30 minutes. USB-C Power Delivery chargers can offer up to 240W of power depending on the specific device, making them great for high-power appliances that previously relied on bulky power adapters.
What does it work with?
Most modern electronics that charge by USB-C connection can benefit from USB PD fast charging. So long as you have the proper USB-C cable, you can use your USB PD charger to fast charge an iPhone, iPad, Samsung Galaxy, Samsung Note, Google Pixel, or even a heavy-duty laptop from a major brand like HP or Dell. Be sure to check the specifications of your individual devices to ensure compatibility with your chosen USB PD charger.
What Power Delivery options are available?
As USB-C becomes more and more commonplace, Power Delivery chargers can be found in a variety of styles and options. From plug-in charging bricks to in-wall charging receptacles and rounded desk grommets, there is a USB PD charger to suit virtually any needs. TOPGREENER’s new USB PD receptacles make the ultimate charging station for the home or office. The combination devices offer up to 60W of charging power and feature tamper-resistant outlets in addition to both USB-C and USB-A ports to meet all of your charging needs in one place.