USB Power Delivery

USB has evolved from a data interface capable of supplying limited power to a primary provider of power with a data interface. Today many devices charge or get their power from USB ports contained in laptops, cars, aircraft or even wall sockets. USB has become a ubiquitous power socket for many small devices such as cell phones, MP3 players and other hand-held devices. Users need USB to fulfil their requirements not only in terms of data but also to provide power to, or charge, their devices simply, often without the need to load a driver, in order to carry out “traditional” USB functions.

The USB Power Delivery Specification enables the maximum functionality of USB by providing more flexible power delivery along with data over a single cable. Its aim is to operate with and build on the existing USB ecosystem.

USB Power Delivery offers the following features:

• Increased power levels from existing USB standards up to 100W.

• Power direction is no longer fixed. This enables the product with the power (Host or Peripheral) to provide the power.

• Optimize power management across multiple peripherals by allowing each device to take only the power it requires, and to get more power when required for a given application.

• Intelligent and flexible system level management of power via optional hub communication with the PC.

• Allows low power cases such as headsets to negotiate for only the power they require.

Examples:

1. Enables new higher power use cases such as USB bus powered Hard Disk Drives (HDDs) and printers. This eliminates the need for a separate power brick.

2. A monitor with a supply from the wall can power, or charge, a laptop while still displaying.

3. USB power bricks or chargers are able to supply power through a laptop’s USB ports.

4. Laptops and USB power bricks can provide higher power to battery powered devices (not currently defined by USB).

5. Battery powered devices can get increased charging current from a hub and then give it back temporarily when the user’s HDD requires to spin up.

System level:

Power Delivery is designed to co-exist with standard USB Battery Charging implementations. Implementers should note that if they include battery charging capability in their devices or support for host adapters such as docks or ACAs they should also reference the Battery Charging Specification.

Information about Power Delivery Compliance testing is available here.

In addition to passing USB-IF compliance testing and inclusion of its Power Delivery products on the Integrators List, companies wishing to use the certified USB logos must have a current on file USB-IF Trademark License Agreement. USB Power Delivery is covered by the relevant adopters agreements for either USB 2.0 or USB 3.0 depending on the specification implemented. Recommendations for which adopters agreements are appropriate to execute are listed below.:

USB 2.0 products: USB 2.0 Adopters Agreement plus the “USB Power Delivery Specification” Adopters Agreement

USB 3.0 products: USB 3.0 Adopters Agreement, USB 2.0 Adopters Agreement plus the “USB Power Delivery Specification” Adopters Agreement

More details: www.anenpower.com or email to info@anenpower.com