Why choose a USB PD "Power Delivery" charger and what is it? What is "GaN"?
A universal PD charger can supply a wide range of devices. The USB Power Delivery standard allows voltages of 5 V, 9 V, 15 V, or 20 V, as well as power levels up to 100W or more.
When considering a USB charger hub with Power Delivery (PD) technology, there are several important technical specifications to consider:
Power...
Why choose a USB PD "Power Delivery" charger and what is it? What is "GaN"?
A universal PD charger can supply a wide range of devices. The USB Power Delivery standard allows voltages of 5 V, 9 V, 15 V, or 20 V, as well as power levels up to 100W or more.
When considering a USB charger hub with Power Delivery (PD) technology, there are several important technical specifications to consider:
Power Delivery (PD) Capacity: This is the primary function of the charger hub. PD allows for higher power supply, enabling faster charging of compatible devices. Look for hubs that support PD 3.0 or newer versions for optimal performance.
2. Power Output: Check the maximum power that the charger hub can deliver. This is usually measured in watts (W). Higher power means faster charging for devices that support it.
3. Number and Type of Ports: Consider the number and type of ports you need. USB Type-A and Type-C ports are common. Ensure that the hub has enough ports to accommodate your devices.
4. Compatibility: Ensure that the hub is compatible with your devices. Some charger hubs only support specific devices.
5. Safety Features: Look for safety features such as over-voltage protection, over-current protection, short-circuit protection, and temperature control to prevent damage to your devices.
Here is an overview of common power levels and their applications:
- 5 Watt (5W): Standard charging for many mobile devices such as smartphones and basic accessories.
- 10 Watt (10W): Often used for faster charging of smartphones and smaller devices. Some older PD chargers may start at this power level.
- 18 Watt (18W): Often referred to as "fast charging" as it can charge smartphones and certain tablets faster than standard chargers.
- 30 Watt (30W): Suitable for charging larger devices like laptops, ultrabooks, and certain tablets, providing faster charging compared to lower watt chargers.
- 45 Watt (45W): Provides even faster charging for smaller laptops.
- 60 Watt (60W): Common for larger laptops and powerful tablets.
- 100 Watt (100W) and above: Suitable for even the most demanding devices like gaming laptops and professional-grade equipment.
When choosing a USB charger hub with PD technology, it is important to select one that supports the appropriate power levels for your devices. Also consider factors such as the number of ports and overall quality to ensure reliable performance and compatibility with your devices.
A USB Power Delivery (USB-PD) charger is a type of charger that uses the USB Power Delivery standard to deliver higher power levels to compatible devices. USB-PD is an industry-standard protocol developed by the USB Implementers Forum (USB-IF), enabling faster charging and power supply via USB connections.
Some key features and characteristics of USB-PD chargers include:
- Higher Power Supply: USB-PD chargers can deliver higher power levels compared to standard USB chargers, allowing for faster charging of devices such as smartphones, tablets, laptops, and other electronics.
- Dynamic Power Negotiation: USB-PD chargers and devices negotiate the power supply dynamically, enabling optimal charging based on the device's power requirements and capacity. This negotiation takes place over the USB-C connection between the charger and the device.
-Variable Voltage and Current: USB-PD supports a range of voltage and current levels, allowing for flexible power supply to accommodate different devices and charging scenarios.
- Two-Way Power Supply: USB-PD supports two-way power supply, meaning devices can both send and receive power over the same USB-C connection. This enables functionalities such as fast charging and power sharing between devices.
- Compatibility: USB-PD chargers are compatible with USB-C devices that support the USB-PD standard, but they can also be backward compatible with older devices using USB-A or other connectors with appropriate adapters or cables.
- Safety Features: USB-PD chargers often include safety features such as over-voltage protection, over-current protection, short-circuit protection, and temperature regulation to ensure safe and reliable charging.
WHAT IS GaN?
GaN in USB chargers stands for gallium nitride, a semiconductor material that has become increasingly popular in the electronics industry, especially within power adapters and chargers. GaN technology offers several advantages over traditional silicon-based chargers: Efficiency: GaN chargers are more efficient at transferring power, resulting in faster charging times and less energy wasted as heat. Size: Devices made with GaN can be smaller because the material handles heat more effectively than silicon. This allows for more compact designs without the need for large heat sinks. Heat Management: GaN chargers generally produce less heat compared to their silicon counterparts, which contributes to better longevity and reliability of the device. Higher Power: GaN technology can handle higher voltages and more power than silicon, which is beneficial for devices requiring fast charging
