What Is USB-C?

USB-C is the latest USB (Universal Serial Bus) connector system. Also known as USB Type-C, it is distinguishable by its symmetrical and oval shape. USB-C itself is only a type of connector. Any given USB-C port does not necessarily support USB 3.1 or USB Power Delivery. The connector is common to several technologies. And it is those technologies that dictate what functions are available.

The USB Type-C 1.0 specification was finalized in September 2014. It started appearing on a significant number of consumer electronics in 2015-2016. Since then it has appeared on an increasing number of devices.

USB-C vs Legacy USB Connection Types

USB Legacy Connectors

USB Type-C is the newest type of USB connector. Many legacy connectors are still in use today and often more recognizable.

• USB-A: What most of us envision when we think “USB.”
• USB-B: Found on USB printers, USB 2.0 external hard drives, and similar devices that receive data. There is a USB 1.1/2.0 version and a larger USB 3.0 version.
• USB mini-B: The original miniaturized USB port. They were deprecated in 2007 and replaced by micro-B.
• USB micro-B: Smaller than the mini ports, they are still produced today. Often used instead of USB-C for devices that don’t need as much power or data transfer speed.

It can replace all the above connectors. And supports newer, fast data transfer and power charging technologies. But it costs more to produce. As do its associated data transfer and fast charging technologies. A computer’s USB-C 3.1 connection costs 4-10 times more than a USB-A 2.0 connection. And a USB-C 3.1 Gen 2 connection costs 7 times as much as a USB-A 3.0 connection. Faster data rates aren’t worth the added cost for all customers. So older USB connectors and their technologies will stick around for a while longer.

USB Type-C is also reversible. You can plug in a USB Type-C cable in either orientation. Whereas all the legacy connections only work in one orientation. No more plugging it in, doesn’t fit, flip it, and plug it in again.

Source: RockPaperCynic

USB-C and Power

The most common use for USB-C on consumer devices is charging. Older USB connections also supported charging devices. But the latest phones and mobile devices need more power than older tech can provide.

Regular USB-C

All USB-C connections support (or should support) up to 15W power output/input. This is built into the spec and doesn’t need extra technology. It is not considered a fast-charging standard, though it is faster than most USB-A chargers.

USB Power Delivery

USB Power Delivery (USB PD) is an open standard, fast charging technology. Created alongside USB-C and maintained by the USB Implementors Forum. All USB PD is USB-C, but not all USB-C is USB PD. It allows for 15-100W, powering everything from a phone to a large gaming laptop.

Qualcomm Quick Charge 4+

Qualcomm’s Quick Charge 4+ operates exclusively over USB-C. It is spec-compliant (unlike QC 3.0) and works alongside USB Power Delivery. A QC 4+ charger can act as a USB PD charger. And a QC 4+ device can fast charge from a USB PD charger.

Quick Charge 3.0, Anker Power IQ, Samsung Fast Adaptive Charging, Huawei SuperCharge, and more

Many other fast charging standards, both new and old, are available on a variety of USB-C devices. They are not compliant with USB Type-C specs. And are proprietary technology. But they work without issue in the real world, provided the charger and device share the same technology.

Learn more about USB Fast Charging.

USB-C and Data Transfer

Like older USB connectors, USB-C supports a variety of USB standards. Those are interface technology, handling data transfers between two devices. This is completely separate from power. The different standards impact how fast your data transfer can be. All USB standards are backward compatible. For example, a USB 3.1 cable will support a USB 2.0 connection.

Legacy USB Standards

USB standards have been around since 1998. But thanks to its backward compatibility these are still supported by the newest connector.

USB 1.1

• Data rates of 1.5-12 Mbps.
• Commonly found on input devices, such as keyboards and mice.
• Supported by most USB-C ports and cables.

USB 2.0

• Data rate up to 480Mbps. Slow by today’s standards.
• The likely standard is found if your device doesn’t specify.
• Supported by most USB-C ports and cables.

USB 3.0

• Data rate up to 5Gbps.
• Supported by some USB-C ports but under a new name: USB 3.1.

USB 3.1

USB 3.0 was renamed USB 3.1 when USB-C was released. Afterward, the second version of USB 3.1 was added. Technically USB 3.0 refers to USB-A connections and USB 3.1 refers to Type-C connections.

• USB 3.1 Gen 1: Data rate up to 5Gbps. The same as USB 3.0, but renamed.
• USB 3.1 Gen 2: Data rate up to 10Gbps.

USB 3.2

USB 3.2 is the current version of USB standards. It absorbed the two USB 3.1 standards above and renamed them (again). It also added two new standards that use multi-lane technology.

• USB 3.2 Gen 1×1: Data rate up to 5Gbps. Same as USB 3.0 and USB 3.1 Gen 1.
• USB 3.2 Gen 1×2: Data rate up to 10Gbps. Uses new dual-lane tech.
• USB 3.2 Gen 2×1: Data rate up to 10Gbps. Same as USB 3.1 Gen 2.
• USB 3.2 Gen 2×2: Data rate up to 20Gbps. Uses new dual-lane tech.

USB 4

USB 4 is based on the Thunderbolt 3 standard, which uses the same connector. USB 4 operates up to 40Gbps, is compatible with Thunderbolt 3, and backward compatible with USB 2.0, USB 3.1, and USB 3.2.

USB Standards & Their Marketing Names

As you can see, USB standards get confusing past USB 3.0. To counter this the USB-IF has suggested marketing names for each standard. Unfortunately, these aren’t often used by online retailers. And with USB 3.2 it doesn’t always distinguish between the old and new standards.

• USB 1.1 = Low Speed
• USB 2.0 = High Speed
• USB 3.0 = SuperSpeed
• USB 3.1 Gen 1 = SuperSpeed
• USB 3.1 Gen 2 = SuperSpeed 10Gbps
• USB 3.2 Gen 1×1 = SuperSpeed
• USB 3.2 Gen 1×2 = SuperSpeed 10Gbps
• USB 3.2 Gen 2×1 = SuperSpeed 10Gbps
• USB 3.2 Gen 2×2 = SuperSpeed 20Gbps

Note how the marketing names don’t allow you to tell the newer USB 3.2 Gen 1×2 from the older USB 3.2 2×1. They also won’t tell you if the device is using Type-C or a legacy connector. On the retail end, a product can list only “USB 3.2” and be legal. But that doesn’t tell you if it supports 5Gbps, 10Gbps, or 20Gbps. You’ll need to read full tech specs to verify you are getting the connection speed desired.

Thunderbolt 3

Thunderbolt is a hardware interface standard created by Intel and Apple. Thunderbolt 3 was released in 2015 and uses USB-C as its connector. Previous versions had used Mini DisplayPort connectors.

Thunderbolt 3 uses its own cables, as they need to support technology not found in other USB-C cables. A Thunderbolt 3 cable may look a lot like a USB-C cable. But their specs are quite different. Thunderbolt 3 cables have some compatibility with USB Type-C ports.

There are two types of Thunderbolt 3 cables:

Passive Cables

• Support 40Gbps data transfer rates up to 0.5 meter in length
• Support 20Gbps data transfer rates at longer lengths
• Also supports USB 3.1 Gen 1 (5Gbps)

Active Cables

• Support 40Gbps data transfer rates at any length
• Also support USB 2.0 (480Mbps)

Either type of cable will support up to 3A/60W of power. Many can support up to 5A/100W.

USB-C Cables

As USB power and data transfer get complicated, so do their cables. There are different cables with different types of USB connectors on each end. And different cables support a different range of power and data transfer technology. No one type of cable handles every possible connection and technology.

USB-C to USB-C Cables

USB-C to USB-C Cable

USB-C to USB-C cables is often divided by the USB standard they support. But they are also divided by how much current they can handle. With most cables, you cannot visually identify their specs. You have to pay attention to their technical specs and mark different cables if you have a mixed collection.

USB Power

All USB-C to USB-C cables will charge devices at the same rate, up to 60W. They should all support 3A current. This is sufficient for the majority of USB-C devices. The most common devices to go above 60W are 15-inch laptops.

Some USB-C cables can support up to 5A of current. This allows them to work with 65-100W chargers and devices. Plugging a 3A cable into a 65-100W charger will result in a slower charge for more power-hungry devices. A 5A cable will work fine with chargers and devices operating below 60W. But tends to be more expensive.

USB Standards

All USB-C to USB-C cables should support USB 1.1 and 2.0. Allow for up to 480Mbps data transfer rates. These are the more common and cheapest cables.

USB-C 3.1 Gen and Gen 2 cables are also available. They work with those newer USB standards. And allow for much fast data transfer rates. They are backward compatible with USB 2.0. But they are also more expensive.

Whatever USB standard a USB-C cable supports does not affect its ability to charge a USB-C device. If you only need a cable to charge stick with USB 2.0, as they are cheaper.

eMarkers

USB-C to USB-C cables that offer USB 3.1 or 5A support is required to include an eMarker. It allows a device to verify the cable supports higher data transfer rates and/or current. Think of it as an ID tag, which tells the device exactly what the cable is capable of.

USB-C to USB-C cables that only offer USB 2.0 and 3A support are not required to include an eMarket. And most do not save cost.

Unless the cable has its specs printed on it you cannot visually tell a USB 2.0 cable from a USB 3.1 cable. Or whether it can handle 3A or 5A. If you bought the cable online you can check your order history and look at the specs. Otherwise, you need a USB-C testing device to read the eMarker.

USB-C to USB-A Cables

USB-C to USB-A Cable

Like USB-C to USB-C cables, USB-C to USB-A cables are divided by the USB standard they support. Unlike C-to-C cables, they all have a 3A current limit.

• USB-C to USB-A 2.0: Supports up to 480Mbps data transfer rates. Cheapest cable, the best option for just charging.
• USB-C to USB-A 3.0: Can also be labeled as USB-A 3.1. Allow up to 5Gbps data transfer rates.
• USB-C to USB-A 3.1 Gen 2: Supports up to 10Gbps data transfer rates. Most expensive cable.

You can charge some USB-C devices with a USB-C to USB-A port. But the power draw is limited by USB-A specifications. Small USB-C devices tend to draw up to 10W. A Quick Charge enabled device and a Quick Charge USB-A port can get up to 18W. They do so by working outside USB-C specifications.

USB-C to Lightning Cables

USB-C to Lightning Cable

Newer iPhones and iPad Pros support USB Power Delivery. But most of those models use a Lightning port, not USB-C. So Apple made a USB-C to Lightning cable. This allows certain models to connect to a USB-C PD charger and fast charge.

• iPhone 8
• iPhone 8 Plus
• iPhone X
• iPhone XR
• iPhone XS
• iPhone XS Max
• iPad Pro, 1st Gen
• iPad Pro, 2nd Gen

Older iPhones can use the cable. But they don’t gain a faster charge from it. The latest iPad Pro (3rd Gen, 2018) has a USB-C port and can use USB-C to USB-C cables.

USB-C is an open standard, but Lightning is owned and controlled by Apple. Apple uses its MFi certification program to verify certain Lightning products work. Newer versions of iOS may warn or even refuse to work with a non-certified product. Until 2019 only Apple made MFi certified USB-C to Lightning cables. Today third-party cables can be MFi certified. They work as well as Apple’s cable and often cost less.

USB-C Adapters

USB-C’s high bandwidth allows it to take the place of several older connectors. On a laptop, USB-C ports can take the place of USB-A, Ethernet, HDMI, and power ports. On phones, it is replacing both the USB port and headphone jack.

This is convenient if all your accessories also use USB-C. But for many of us, it means we need adapters and dongles to make our new device work with our older devices.

USB-C Hubs

A single USB-C port can handle several connections. As such USB-C hubs and docks are also available. These allow several older connections to go through a single Type-C port.

Unfortunately, they don’t always work well. Models without their own power adapter can only handle so much. Some models are tested against only certain model laptops. And not all laptops implement USB-C as well as they should. Some have even been found to cause network interference.

If considering a USB-C hub get one with only the connections you need. And go over reviews, looking for those who have the same model laptop as you.

USB Implementors Forum

The USB Implementers Forum (USB-IF) is a non-profit organization formed by Agere Systems, Apple, HP, Intel, Microsoft, and NEC. It promotes and markets USB. It also maintains USB specifications and a standards compliance program.

They offer USB-IF certification for USB-C products that meet their strict standards. To gain certification a product must pass their USB-IF Compliance Program. And the producing company must be a dues-paying member of the USB-IF.

USB-IF certification is a strong indicator of a good product. But the lack of certification is not a strong indicator of anything. In some cases, certification is forgone to support extra standards. For example, Quick Charge 3.0 is not allowed on a USB-C port under USB-IF standards. But some such devices exist, without any bad reports. Certifications started in late 2017. Products pre-date that often don’t get submitted for certification. Some companies choose not to pay for USB-IF membership, such as RAVPower and Inateck. Others are members but ignore certification, such as Apple and HP.

The post USB-C Explained: What It Is and Why You Want It appeared first on Switch Chargers.

Fast charging is a popular feature for mobile devices. Including phones, tablets, the Nintendo Switch, and laptops. It allows them to recharge faster over USB connections than they normally would. Newer phones can recharge from 0-50% in 30 minutes. And laptops with USB-C can use an open-source charger.

The technology on USB dates back to 2007. Added to support the growing mobile market. Since then many charging standards have come and gone. The introduction of USB-C has been a big disruptor. But as plenty of USB-A-based devices remain so do some of the older standards. And a few have crept onto the occasional USB-C port.

How Fast Charging Works

Fast charging works by increasing the voltage and/or current (amps) into your device. This increases the total wattage (volts * amps = watts) beyond what a regular USB charger can do. A charging standard handles power “negotiations” between a charger and a device. Verifying both support the same tech. And allowing the device to draw what it wants. But only to the point, the charger can provide. Some standards use similar methods, which allows them to be cross-compatible. Others are quite different and are non-compatible.

In general fast charging offers higher output while the device’s battery is low. The mode operates until the battery reaches 50-70%, depending on the device. As the battery charge increases the fast charging output steps down. This preserves the battery’s lifespan (less stress and heat). This is why charging from 0-50% is fast, while the last 10% seems to take forever.

Which Fast Charging Standard Should I Use?

The right fast charging standard depends on your device. And which fast charging technology it supports.

List of the more popular phones and which fast charging output you should use.

List of the more popular Nintendo Switch, tablets, and laptops and which fast charging output you should use.

If your device isn’t listed check its included power adapter. Its power output specifications should be printed on the brick. Otherwise check with the manufacture for charging specifications.

Fast Charging Standards

• USB Power Delivery
• Qualcomm Quick Charge
• Samsung Adaptive Fast Charging
• Anker PowerIQ
• Huawei SuperCharge
• OnePlus Dash Charging
• Apple 2.4A
• Battery Charging Revision 1.2
• Cross Compatibility of Fast Charging Standards

USB Power Delivery (USB PD)

USB Power Delivery is a power transfer standard introduced alongside USB-C. It is an open standard maintained by the USB Implementors Forum, as is USB-C and other USB standards. All USB PD is USB-C, but not all USB-C is USB PD.

There are three versions of the standard:

USB Power Delivery 1.0

• Supports 5V, 12V, and 20V. With up to 2A @ 5V and 5A @ 12V and 20V.
• Supports some power profiles which Power Delivery 2.0 and 3.0 don’t allow for. This was done to include USB-C PD chargers that pre-dated the standard’s release.
• Rare if buying a new charger today.

USB Power Delivery 2.0

• Supports 5V, 9V, 12V, 15V, and 20V. All voltages can go up to 3A. 20V can go up to 5A, providing up to 100W of power.
• For the most part, performs just as well as Power Delivery 3.0.
• Still common in brand new chargers.

USB Power Delivery 3.0

• Supports the same power profiles as Power Delivery 2.0.
• Added programmable power supply (PPS). Which allows for more efficient charging of lithium batteries.

USB Power Delivery allows for increased power levels. Up to 100W, enough to power a 15-inch gaming laptop. Power flow is also bi-directional. The same port can give or take power, with the connection determining what to do.

The dream of many was that USB PD would become the dominant way to charge all future USB-C devices. As an open standard, no one brand would control the market. And one charger (with enough output) could power all your devices. But this hasn’t been the case to date. And whether it’ll happen in the future is up to specific companies, who do not have a stake in the USB-IF.

Source: XKCD

Power Profiles

All USB-C chargers offer one or more power profiles. These tell us what range of power they can provide. And are the best way to determine if a specific USB PD charger is a good fit for a device. For this explainer, we’ll ignore Power Delivery 1.0. It allowed for some weird power profiles we rarely see in the market.

Power Delivery 2.0/3.0 Power Profile Rules

• Voltages
  • 5V, 9V, 12V, 15V, 20V
  • If a higher voltage is present, then the lower voltages must also be present
  • 12V is optional under all conditions
• Current
  • Each voltage can go up to 3A
  • Current at each voltage should try to match the max wattage, up to the 3A limit
  • 20V can go up to 5A

Here’s an example of two different, but within spec 45W USB-C PD chargers:

• 5V/3A, 9V/3A, 12V/3A, 15V/3A
• 5V/3A, 9V/3A, 15V/3A, 20V/2.25A

Both are acceptable power profiles for a 45W USB-C PD charger. As both offer 15V/3A they must also offer 9V/3A. 20V/2.25A is optional. But if 20V/2.25A is present then 15V/3A must also be present. And again 12V is completely optional.

Wattage vs Power Profiles

Most products list their wattage rather than their power profiles. Watts = voltage * current, so 20V/5A = 100W. Knowing the wattage tells us a lot about the available power profiles. If a certain power profile is offered, then certain other ones must also be offered. Assuming the charger is following USB-C specs.

• 15W = 5V/3A, (9V/1.66A)
• 18W = 5V/3A, 9V/2A ,(12V/1.5A, 15V/1.2A)
• 30W = 5V/3A, 9V/3A, (12V/2.5A), 15V/2A, (20V/1.5A)
• 45W = 5V/3A, 9V/3A, (12V/3A), 15V/3A, (20V/2.25A)
• 60W = 5V/3A, 9V/3A, (12V/3A), 15V/3A, 20V/3A

The power profiles in parentheses are optional.

To go above 60W a charger offers more than 3A, but only at 20V. So a 100W USB-C charger has the same 5-15V power profiles as a 45W charger. With only 20V offering more output.

When choosing a charger for your device the voltage must match. But the charger can offer more current than the device needs. The device controls the current. Power is drawn from the charger, rather than pushed to the device.

Programmable Power Supply (PPS)

The programmable power supply protocol was added in Power Delivery 3.0. It is an option, so not found on every PD 3.0 charger. It is currently uncommon in both USB-C chargers and devices. But adoption is growing.

It allows for small, step-wise changes in voltage and current. It doesn’t charge a device faster. Instead, it reduces the conversion loss during charging. Making the charge more efficient, which in turn produces less heat. Heat is a key factor in lithium battery lifespan. So PPS is better for your device’s battery.

Under PPS charging occurs in two phases. In the first phase, the current (amps) is constant, with a gradual increase in voltage. In the second phase, the voltage (now at a higher state) is constant, with a gradual decrease in current.

Illustration of how step-wise charging works under PPS

To use PPS both the charger and device must support both Power Delivery 3.0 and PPS. This is not always advertised, so you may need to dig into your device’s specs. Qualcomm’s Quick Charge 4+, which uses USB-C, supports PPS.

Quick Charge (QC)

Quick Charge is the most popular fast-charging standard. Developed by Qualcomm, who also holds the largest share of the mobile CPU market. Qualcomm’s SnapDragon CPU is common in Android phones. And they give phone makers the option to add-on the Quick Charge function. The standard has been around for years and supports backward compatibility. So there is a huge ecosystem of products available.

Quick Charge 3.0 (QC 3.0)

AUKEY PA-Y13 46W PD Charging Station with Quick Charge 3.0 port (orange)

Quick Charge 3.0 is the most popular version of the standard. While several phone makers include it on their USB-C phones it is actually against USB-C specifications. QC 3.0 changes the voltage on the USB-C data lines to negotiate power transfer. This disrupts the data lines, preventing data transfer. But as QC is found on dedicated chargers, not computer USB ports, there isn’t an issue in actual usage.

On the charger side, it is most often found on USB-A ports. But some chargers also include it on the USB-C port, which again is against specs. It supports up to 18W (5V/3A, 9V/2A, 12V/1.5A).

Not all QC 3.0 devices are created equal. Actual charge rates of QC 3.0 Android phones range from 10-18W, depending on the phone.

QC 3.0 is mimicked by several other standards. This has allowed for cross-compatibility between Quick Charge and similar standards.

Quick Charge 4+ (QC 4+)

Quick Charge 4+ is the newest version of the standard. Few chargers and devices use it for now, but it will grow. It is USB-C compliant (unlike QC 3.0) and works alongside USB Power Delivery. All QC 4+ devices are USB PD compatible. As such, they can fast charge with either a USB PD charger or a Quick Charge charger. QC 4+ also supports PPS, from USB PD 3.0. With a QC 4+ charger and device, PPS is the default charging method used.

It offers up to 27W for PPS. And up to 18W for USB PD or QC 3.0.

Keeping with Quick Charge’s backward compatibility, a QC 4+ device can also fast charge with a QC 3.0 charger. And a QC 4+ charger will fast charge a USB PD or QC 3.0 device.

Samsung Adaptive Fast Charging (AFC)

Samsung Adaptive Fast Charger

Samsung developed Adaptive Fast Charging too fast to charge their USB-C phones and tablets. The charger is USB-A and includes a USB-C to USB-A cable. By including a fast charger with their phones they one-upped Apple. The 2018 iPhones included a slow, 5W USB power adapter. The Samsung AFC chargers support up to 15W (5V/2A, 9V/1.67A).

Samsung AFC works much like Quick Charge. It uses the same voltages, but at lower currents which outputs less wattage.

As Samsung AFC mimics Quick Charge you can fast charge a Samsung USB-C phone with a QC charger. You could also charge a QC Android phone with a Samsung charger. But it would be a slower change than using an actual QC charger.

While not officially stated by Samsung, model phones from the S8 onward also support USB Power Delivery. Up to the same 15W (5V/3A) limit.

Anker PowerIQ

Anker PowerPort+ Atom III with PowerIQ 3.0 and PowerIQ 2.0 ports

Anker’s PowerIQ technology is charger side only. It is not installed on any USB device. Most other charging technology work by being present on both sides of the charge. It supports up to 18W (5V/3A, 9V/2A, 12V/1.5A).

There are three versions of the standard:

PowerIQ 1.0 (aka PowerIQ)

• Supports up to 12W (5V/2.4A)
• USB-A only
• Not compatible with Quick Charge
• Supports Apple 2.4A for older iPhones

PowerIQ 2.0

• Supports up to 18W (5V/3A, 9V/2A, 12V/1.5A)
• USB-A only
• Compatible with Quick Charge 3.0
• Also compatible with Samsung AFC and Motorola TurboPower
• Supports Apple 2.4A for older iPhones

PowerIQ 3.0

• Supports up to 100W, though so far they don’t offer any charger above 60W
• USB-C only
• Merging of USB PD and PowerIQ 2.0, much like Quick Charge 4+
• Compatible with USB PD, Quick Charge 3.0, and Samsung AFC

Motorola TurboPower

Motorola TurboPower charger

Motorola’s in house charging standard for their USB-C phones. Like Samsung AFC it is essentially a weak version of Quick Charge. Unlike Samsung, it is less compatible with non-Motorola fast chargers. It supports up to 15W (5V/3A, 9V/1.6A, 12V/1.2A).

Motorola USB-C phones work well with Quick Charge 3.0 chargers. But they don’t fast charge if Quick Charge is on the USB-C port of a charger.

Huawei SuperCharge

Huawei’s SuperCharge is a different beast from other fast charging standards. Its design makes it the fastest and coolest charger for a phone. But also makes the charger incompatible with all other USB-C devices.

Huawei SuperCharge 40W

SuperCharge increases both the voltage and the current going into the phone. Most other standards only increase the voltage. This allows Huawei to recharge their phones at either 22.5W (4.5V/5A, 5V/4.5A, 9V/2A) or 40W (5V/2A, 9V/2A, 10V/4A). Much faster than the 15-18W we see on other standards. The higher output generates a lot of heat. But the power conversion circuits are in the charger, not the phone. This keeps the heat away from the phone, preserving its battery life.

• Newer Huawei USB-C phones can only charge at their max draw with SuperCharge. They can charge with regular USB-C, at a much slower rate.
• You have to use a USB-C cable rated for 5A. Most are only rated for 3A, and you can’t visually distinguish the difference.
• A Huawei SuperCharge charger won’t work with any other USB-C device.
• The 40W version costs so much that it is only available for the Huawei Mate 20 Pro, Mate 30 Pro, and Honor Magic 2 phones.

A new 20W version is expected in 2019 to support current and future mid to high-end Huawei phones.

Huawei FCP

Before SuperCharge there was Huawei FCP. Developed to fast charge Huawei’s early USB-C phones in 2016. Unlike SuperCharge it is available on non-Huawei chargers. It provides up to 18W, like USB PD and Quick Charge.

The Huawei Mate 9 and P9 used FCP only. But newer Huawei USB-C phones that support SuperCharge also support FCP. Consider FCP a secondary option for newer Huawei phones. And the only fast charging option when looking at non-Huawei chargers.

OnePlus Dash Charging/Oppo VOOC Flash Charge

OnePlus Dash Charger

OnePlus’ Dash Charging is actually Oppo’s VOOC Flash Charge technology. OnePlus licenses and rebrands it from Oppo.

It has a unique approach to fast charging. It increases the current, rather than the voltage. This has the advantage of less voltage conversion during charging (more efficient). But the higher current generates much more heat. To deal with this the conversion circuits are housed in the charger, not the phone.

• OnePlus and Oppo phones can only fast charge using their own charger. They can charge with regular USB-C, at a much slower rate.
• You have to use a USB-C cable rated for 5A. Most are only rated for 3A, and you can’t visually distinguish the difference.
• The Dash charger won’t work with any other USB-C device.

OnePlus Warp Charge 30

A newer version of OnePlus Dash. It can get up to 30W output. Supported phones can recharge from 0-50% in 20 minutes. And up to 66% in 30 minutes.

It works much the same way as older Dash Charging tech. And has the same shortcomings. A Warp Charge 30 charger can be used with older OnePlus phones. But will only charge at the phone’s max draw rate.

Apple 2.4A

Newer Apple iPhones and iPad Pros use USB Power Delivery. But before that, they had their own fast-charging standard, known as Apple 2.4A. It is the reason you see 5V/2.4A as a common power profile on USB-A chargers. But not all 5V/2.4A USB-A chargers support Apple 2.4A. The standard was developed to charge the original iPad. It was then included in the iPhone 4. It has continued down the iPhone line, including today’s models.

For an older standard, it charges newer iPhones quite well. Apple 2.4A provides up to 10.5W. Newer iPhones can get up to 15W from USB PD. But the difference between the two standards narrows as the phone charges.

Apple 12W USB Power Adapter

iPhone 8 @ 0%

• USB PD: 11W
• Apple 2.4A: 9.4W

iPhone 8 @ 10%

• USB PD: 10.5W
• Apple 2.4A: 9.4W

iPhone 8 @ 20%

• USB PD: 12W
• Apple 2.4A: 9.2W

iPhone 8 @ 30%

• USB PD: 8.5W
• Apple 2.4A: 8.5W

Charging from 0-100% USB PD is ~15 minutes faster. If you regularly charge your iPhone from a low battery state then USB PD wins. But if you top off throughout the day then Apple 2.4A works just as well.

Battery Charging Revision 1.2 (BC1.2)

Battery Charging Revision 1.2 is the original USB fast charging standard. Developed in 2007 by the USB-IF. It better-supported USB a growing market of USB mobile devices. All USB charging ports today should include BC1.2. Any USB port without BC1.2 (most often found on computers) is limited to 2.5mA (0.0025A) current.

There are three versions of BC1.2:

SDP (Standard Downstream Port)

• Found on computer USB ports
• Supports data and limits current to 0.5A

DCP (Dedicated Charging Port)

• Found on USB chargers
• Supports current beyond 1.5A, but doesn’t support data

CDP (Downstream Port)

• Found on USB hubs
• Supports both data transfer and high-current charging

Cross Compatibility

USB-C Specifications

Under section 4.8.2 of USB-C specifications, a proprietary charging method cannot change the voltage of USB-C output (between 4.40V and 5.25V) in a manner not defined by USB methods. Quick Charge and similar fast charging tech operate at higher than default voltages. And so goes against the specifications. USB Power Delivery is an open-source charging method. Created alongside USB-C, it is within specs even though it also increases the voltage. The big difference is USB PD uses communication lines to negotiate power transfer. While proprietary methods take over the data lines for their negotiation. They do so because legacy USB connections, such as USB-A, don’t have comm lines.

There is no known risk with running proprietary charging standards over USB-C. Manipulating the data lines does disrupt data transfers. But when plugging into a wall charger or power bank there is no data transfer anyway. A few USB-C focused engineers warn against using any USB-C product against specs. Their concern is unforeseen consequences. And we have seen bad USB-C products in the past. But since the first Quick Charge over USB-C charger came out in 2016 we haven’t seen any systemic issues emerge.

The post What Is Fast Charging? How Different Standard Works appeared first on Switch Chargers.

Nintendo Switch’s lithium-ion battery. Courtesy: iFixIt

Batteries are consumable. With time and use, they become less effective. And eventually, need to be replaced. With battery best practices you can extend their lifespan. But you’re better off doing just the basics and resigning yourself to needing to replace batteries on occasion.

What Wears Down Lithium Batteries?

• Charge Cycles
• Extreme Temperatures

A charge cycle is when the battery discharges 100%, then recharges 100%. A battery doesn’t need to go from 100% to 0% for a charge cycle to count. If you always recharge your battery from 80% to 100% then after five such charges you’ll have used one charge cycle. Most manufacturers state the battery will lose 20% capacity after 300-500 charge cycles. This is a conservative estimate, so some users won’t see capacity degradation as quickly.

Extreme temperatures also affect battery life, especially heat. This is why your devices have recommended operating temperature ranges. No lithium battery likes below freezing. And 86°F (30°C) is considered elevated for lithium batteries. Keep in mind that charging the battery also generates heat.

Easy Best Practices

• More frequent, shallower charges are better than less frequent, deeper charges.
  • Shallower discharges and charges are less stressful on the battery.
  • Avoid a full discharge (0%) where you can. There is no reason to do much unless you are correcting a battery capacity listing issue.

• Charge at an ambient temperature you find comfortable.
  • Never charge below 32°F (0°C) or above 113°F (45°C).

• Leaving a device connected to power is fine.
  • Lithium batteries stop charging when full.
  • A topping charge is only applied once the battery drops to a certain level. It is not constant.
  • If the device won’t be used for months consider storing it (see below).

• Update your device’s software. Especially if it includes power management or efficiency changes.

• If not using your device for 6 months or longer store it with the battery in mind.
  • Charge it to ~50%.
  • Turn it off completely.
  • Put it in a cool, but not cold space that is moisture-free.
  • Recharge it to ~50% every six months.

Don’t Stress

There is more you can do to extended battery life, but they are more extreme practices. For example, never let the battery drop below 80% or charge fully to 100%. Or change the charging voltage of the battery. While these will extend battery life further it is not worth the stress. You’ll spend as much, or more time maintaining the practice as you’ll gain in battery life.

Batteries need to be replaced over time. You can find affordable battery replacement programs from device manufacturers and independent repair shops. Apple charges $29 to replace an iPhone battery. Most Android phone batteries cost $10, plus labor. Laptops have similar options, though at a higher cost. In the future, Nintendo will offer a paid battery replacement service for the Switch. All of which is a fraction of the price of a new device.

tl;dr

• • Batteries wear out over time, you can only prolong battery life.
  • Best to charge more often than not.
  • It is okay to leave it on the charger.
  • Keep it away from heat. Don’t use your phone outside in below-freezing weather.
  • Your time is better to spend earning and saving up for a replacement battery every few years than micro-managing your devices.

You can learn more about caring for lithium-ion batteries at Battery University.

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