PD Charging 101: Understanding Power Delivery
Are you curious to learn why USB Power Delivery has become so popular in the technology industry? USB PD is an incredibly popular product that is revolutionizing the market. It’s efficient, smart, and manages rapid data transfers and power, making it an excellent option for anyone looking for a fast and effective way to charge their devices.
USB Overview: The Evolution of USB
USB originated as a straightforward means of connecting flash drives. By the turn of the century, high-speed connectors were released as USB 2.0 with several connector types. In 2007, the connector was used for data transfer and charging devices.
Toward the end of 2008, around 2 billion devices annually received USB 3.0 connectors with super speed transfer rates. The rates of speed were sufficient to be compatible with video streaming. The earlier power transferred over the USB 3.X connectors varied from 5v to 20v.
The introduction of USB4 in 2019, also known as Thunderbolt 3, was a game-changer. USB4 could handle 40 gigabits of data transfer per second. The USB4, a Type C connector, could also manage the transfer of up to 20v, but with up to 5 amps of power instead of the previously standard 3 amps.
USB PD Explained
The name USB PD stands for USB-C Power Delivery. The C-type connector has a reversible tip, which means there is no right-side-up orientation. The new standard provides a new variety of power voltage and amperage. The device’s needs determine the amount provided.
There is a dynamic negotiation between the device and the power source. The device passes on its specifications, and the power source adjusts its output for the fastest charge. In other words, one charger can provide different voltages and amperages based on any given device’s need.
This enables users to avoid having to buy many different adapters. The standard also allows for multiple devices to be gang-charged regardless of their voltage and amperage needs. This enablement has led to the growth of charging stations, lockers, and carts.
Groups of users have benefited from this new power delivery system, including businesses, retailers, manufacturers, schools, and hospitals.
Charging Carts
Charging stations and carts are among the greatest benefits of USB PD. Centralization of storage and charging is possible, and mobile devices also empower this with cloud-based software programs or apps.
A movable metal charging cart with lockable wheels is designed to be placed near an electrical outlet so that it can be plugged in. The cart, either top or side-loading, has storage shelves that are exposed when the doors are opened.
Charging stations are similar to carts but are less mobile. They are designed for quick and efficient charging and take up very little space. They can typically hold about 10-20 devices and provide simultaneous and maximum charging to each device.
A device is placed into the selected slot, and the power cable is connected. The device then communicates to the built-in power adapter to determine the voltage and amperage needed for charging. Since this service’s protocol is designed for speed, the item will be charged at the fastest possible rate based on the device’s requirements.
The rear access panel has an area where all the cables are neatly managed. This keeps the area of cables behind the scenes for a clean and manageable look. This is important since many carts can charge 16-32 devices at a time. Bretford charging carts can charge 10-40 devices at a time.
Fast USB PD Charger
The design of USB PD chargers allows any iOS device to charge to 50% capacity within 30 minutes. This is significantly quicker than the typical charging speed. Bigger devices like an iPad Pro would hit the 50% mark within 40 minutes.
These numbers vary with each device based on the range of power the device requires. The higher the wattage a device can handle, the faster it charges to 50%.
Laptops require twice the amount of power to recharge the battery. But thanks to USB PD, even those devices can charge at a much faster rate than before. The charger or adapter needs to be sized based on the largest equipment’s power requirements.
For instance, a 45 watt wall charger can facilitate the charging of all devices. Since USB PD is a smart system, a plugged-in iPhone X will only require 18 watts. The 45 watt wall charger will adjust its output and only deliver the required 18 watts.
Never Over Juiced
The USB PD is one of the safest methods for charging since the adapters will never send too much power to a device. Portable backup batteries with a USB PD connector no longer need to be right-sized. All connected devices can send or receive power in the amount needed.
When a device’s battery strength wanes, most people aren’t thinking about a full charge. Speed is more important. They only need a sufficient amount of energy to complete their assignment.
This desire for speed does not trump a person’s need for safety. No one wants their device to overheat and become a fire waiting to happen. Embracing safe charging methods is the way to go.
The USB PD Solution
Times have changed, and USB PD can move large amounts of data and the right amount of energy fast. The average device can be brought back to a 50% charge level in about a half-hour.
USB PD is a dynamic protocol that negotiates between the device and charger. This results in the right-sizing of the power requirements. Each device receives the fastest and safest possible charge based on its requirements.
The industry is rapidly expanding with charging carts, lockers, and stations. Charging carts are portable while keeping the cables out of sight and well managed.
Charging stations provide a durable, locked-down location for gang charging along with easy access and quick deployment. In all cases, the USB PD solution takes care of each device based on its own specific needs.
USB PD is faster, carries more data, and always right-sizes its power charging capabilities to meet the device’s needs. This reduces the number of adapters an employee needs, all while keeping the person and device safe.
Experience the Solution
It’s time to explore the right solution using USB PD. Bretford empowers mobile users with our USB PD solutions. Our customers experience increased productivity, effectiveness, and leverage actionable intelligence. Learn more about our charging solutions and follow us on all social platforms for the latest.
