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 designed to deliver higher power than conventional chargers, allowing compatible USB devices to charge much faster. 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 can be configured up to 48V under current specification standards. This allows a USB PD charger to deliver up to 240W of power, depending on the individual device. USB-C connectors have been designed hand-in-hand with USB PD to handle higher power levels, 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 power to flow in both directions, with no set direction based on the 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 charge the other.
Why is it better?
USB PD can charge compatible devices up to 70% faster than standard 5W charging, potentially charging 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 via USB-C 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 increasingly commonplace, Power Delivery chargers are available 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, along with both USB-C and USB-A ports, to meet all your charging needs in one place.