What's the Difference: USB PD 2.0 vs. USB PD 3.0
SAN DIEGO- (January 3, 2018)- Due to the growing excitement and love of quick charging, USB Power Delivery (USB PD) and its capabilities have become highly talked about in the tech world. The latest version of USB Power Delivery, USB PD 3.0, has people asking, what separates it from USB PD 2.0? In order to understand their differences, let's delve into what USB Power Delivery is.
USB PD gives devices the ability to be charged or re-powered quickly. These devices must be charged over a USB connection. This power source allows compatible devices to share chargers as well. Satechi products such as our Type-C 75W Travel Charger and USB-Car Charger Adapter offer USB Power Delivery.
Take note that the differences between USB PD 2.0 and USB PD 3.0 don't lie in the power rules. The power rules of the two are in fact the same. All USB PD 3.0 devices work with USB PD 2.0 as well.
Power Rules for both USB PD 2.0 and USB PD 3.0:
Sources >15W supply 5 volts and 9 volts
Sources >27W supply 5 volts, 9 volts, and 15 volts
Sources >45W supply 5 volts, 9 volts, 15 volts, and 20 volts
The difference between the two types of PD charging lies in the amount of detailed information given by each.USB PD 3.0 has worked to improve its power delivery but is primarily known for offering increased amounts of information about the device being charged and its power/ battery. This includes reporting any malfunction or system change within the device, temperature of the device, or what may be causing hold ups or decreased charging speed, etc. For example, if an over-current or over-voltage occurs while charging, your device will notify you with a data message of the mishap.
USB PD 3.0 charging may prove to be more beneficial when using with an external hard drive. For example, when previously using a USB PD 2.0 device, your hard drive may have been disconnected when unplugging the power source. Now with USB PD 3.0, your hard drive is able to stay connected with and without the power connected.
Sources say that it's best to use USB PD 2.0 for simple devices that don't necessarily need extra or in depth information presented. One should use USB PD 3.0 if the new features are required in your device's application.
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