With the increasing use of electronic products, people are spending more time on their digital devices for work and entertainment. As a result, there is a growing demand for products that can be charged quickly and have long-lasting battery life. One popular fast charging technology for smartphones and laptops is USB-PD (USB Power Delivery). According to its protocol, USB-PD can provide up to 100W power, offering more flexible transmission performance and faster charging speeds. This technology is not limited to adapters; even external monitors and docking stations can meet various charging requirements through the USB PD-compliant USB Type-C port.
The Advantages of USB-PD
1. Support a variety of power outputs :
USB-PD supports a wide range of power outputs, ranging from 10W to 100W, depending on the specific requirements of the device. This allows it to cater to the various power needs of modern electronic devices. In fact, the latest version of USB-PD, PD 3.1, can even transmit up to 240W of power. To ensure compatibility and standardization, all versions of USB-PD, including PD 2.0, PD 3.0, and PD 3.1, utilize the USB Type-C interface for fast charging.
2. Support Dynamic voltage for converting voltage at anytime :
PPS (Programmable Power Supply) is a technology that started with PD 3.0. It integrates two charging modes: high voltage and low current, and low voltage and high current. This allows the charger to dynamically change the output voltage based on the device's charging status. This "dynamic voltage" approach improves charging efficiency, controls charging temperature, and extends battery life. Currently, many Android mobile phones support the PPS standard.
3.High popularity and compatibility :
USB PD fast charging technology is compatible with Qualcomm's latest QC 4.0 and QC 4+ fast charging technology.
The Charge Specification of USB-PD
USB PD 3.0/3.1:
Voltage | Current Range | Charge Watt | Applicable |
5V | 0.1~3.0A | 0.5-15W | Earphones, small USB devices |
9V | 1.67~3.0A | 15-27W | Smartphones, cameras, drones |
15V | 1.8~3.0A | 27-45W | Tablets, small laptops |
20V | 2.25~3.0A 3.0~5.0A(for rated cables only) | 45-100W | Large laptops, desktop monitors, docking stations |
28V | ≤ 5A | 100-140W | portable devices IoT, smart home devices, car, medical |
36V | ≤ 5A | 140-180W | portable devices IoT, smart home devices, car, medical |
48V | ≤ 5A | 180-240W | portable devices IoT, smart home devices, car, medical |
PPS programmable power supply (for PD 3.0 and above):
Voltage | Voltage Range | Max. Current | Charge Watt |
5V | 3.3~5.9V | 3A | <=15W |
9V | 3.3~11V | 3A | 15~27W |
15V | 3.3~16V | 3A | 27~45W |
20V | 3.3~21V | 3A or 5A | 45~100W |
It seems that although your device supports fast charging, it is charging slowly.
USB-PD only supports USB-C connectors. However, not all USB Type-C devices support the PD fast charging specification. Fast charging requires the charger, charging cable and device to be USB-PD compliant.
Therefore, it is recommended that you use the original charger and charging cable supplied by the manufacturer for fast charging devices. Alternatively, you can choose a charger or power supply that complies with the USB-PD specification and is safety certified. This will ensure effective and safe charging.
For USB-C Power Delivery, You Need :
Can an external monitor with a USB PD charger become a charging station?
The term "fast charging support" refers to the ability of a device to be charged quickly. However, with the use of USB-PD chargers and circuit design, the external monitor can also act as a "charging station" to provide power. Gechic's 21.5" 2101H, 15.6" M152H portable monitors and 15.6" M505I touch monitor are all equipped with a "65W charger" that can output the power received via USB Type-C to the main USB-PD device. This means that while the external monitor is transmitting audio and video signals, it can also charge your laptop or mobile phone, providing a convenient two-in-one solution!
How Fast is PD Charging?
Because USB PD chargers can vary in voltage and current depending on the device, usage conditions and environmental factors, the time it takes to fully charge may not be fixed or consistent. For example, charging an iPhone with Apple's original USB PD charger typically takes about 30 minutes to reach 50% capacity and about 1 hour to fully charge. We also tested the charging time of a MacBook Pro and a Nintendo Switch, both from 0% using the M152H external monitor with 45W USB PD support.
Charging Speed Measurement on External Monitor
▼ Charge Time of 15" MacBook Pro (Battery Capacity: 7336mAh)
*With the original 87W charger, MB Pro can be charged to nearly 50% in about 30 minutes.
▼ Charge Time of Switch (battery capacity : 4310mAh)
*With the original 39W charger, the full charge time of Switch is 3 hours.
What is the difference between USB PD and QC fast charging?
Fast charging protocols are emerging from various vendors. USB PD (Power Delivery) from the USB-IF Association and QC (Quick Charge) from Qualcomm are currently the two mainstream protocols. Both USB PD and QC have announced compatibility with each other from QC 4.
| USB-PD | QC |
|  |  |
Watt | 10-100W Up to 240W in the latest version | 10-27W Up to 100W in the latest version |
Feature | High power volume, applied to multiple large equipment | High market share for small devices The latest version is compatible with PD standard |
Voltage Supported | 5V、9V、15V、20V、28V、36V、48V | 5V、9V、12V 3.3V-20V |
Common Devices | iPhone 8/X and later models, Switch, etc. | LG, Xiaomi, Sony, RAZER and other mobile phones |
Is it safe to charge while using?
The safety or feasibility of charging while using is not directly related to fast charging itself. In addition to using original equipment or certified chargers and cables, the most important thing to pay attention to when charging is the "temperature". Overheating of the device and charger, as well as the inability to dissipate heat, are the main reasons for harm to the battery and equipment. 1. Select a qualified charger and charging socket. 2. Avoid charging in high temperature, humid, and hot environments. It is recommended to charge in a room with a temperature below 35 degrees Celsius. 3. Pay attention to the heat dissipation of the device and charger, and ensure proper air circulation around the device.
Develop good charging habits, don't let the battery power get too low (e.g. try not to charge below 30%~40%) and pay attention to the ambient temperature of the charging devices. With the external monitor and USB PD charger, you can always keep your main device and external monitor powered for a whole day!