Question 1

What is PD charging?

Accepted Answer

Power Delivery (PD) Charging is the latest mobile device charging standard. It lets us quickly charge larger capacity batteries than we were able to in the past. Phones, tablets and laptops can all use PD Charging.

Question 2

How does USB-C PD work?

Accepted Answer

A USB-C PD Charger can detect the device it’s connected to. If that device supports PD protocol, it will negotiate/communicate between the charger and device, and it will send the right amount of power to provide the fastest charge possible.

Question 3

What’s the benefit of PD Charging standard and Type C connector, and why do I need PD Charging?

Accepted Answer

Together, PD Charging standard and Type C connector are the dream team! The PD Charging standard and the Type C connector were developed in tandem with the aim being as universal as possible.

Question 4

Are Lightning devices PD compatible?

Accepted Answer

Lightning devices like the iPhone 12, iPhone X and various iPads have been PD compatible for some time. Using a PD charger in conjunction with an MFI-certified Type-C to Lightning cable allows for higher current draw and faster charging.

Question 5

What is the difference between a Type C cable vs. Type C device/connector?

Accepted Answer

Type C is much more than just a cable connector or a device socket. There’s a standard for the connector and socket, several standards for the charging method and yet more standards for the communication of data. Just because a device has a Type C socket does not necessarily mean it also supports PD or high-speed data.

Question 6

How does USB PD select charging voltage?

Accepted Answer

Voltage is selected by negotiation/communication between the charger and the device.

Question 7

What devices use USB-C PD?

Accepted Answer

iPhone 12, iPhone X, iPhone 8/ 8 Plus, iPad Pro, Google Pixel 5, Google Pixel 2, Google Pixel 2 XL, Samsung S20 and Note are just some of the popular devices that use PD. When investing in new hardware it’s important to know your new devices are fully compatible with the supporting hardware.

Question 8

How much power does USB-C PD deliver?

Accepted Answer

Varies on a product basis. Check your device for specifics.

Question 9

Can I use my old charger on PD devices?

Accepted Answer

This is a broader question than people realize. Your old charger can take a USB-A to Type C cable which can connect to a Type C port on a new device and in some cases, may work. So, if you already have the charger and the cable there’s no harm in trying it out.

But most devices will not charge properly, and some will not charge at all. This is important to remember when investing in new hardware.

Question 10

How do watts factor into mobile device charging?

Accepted Answer

The Watt capacity (Wattage) of a charger is the amount of power a charger can supply to a device that requests it. Note it is the devices prerogative to request that charge.

The Wattage of a deceive is the amount of power a device can source from a suitable charger.

There is no danger to either device of charger if the relative wattages do not match.

It is ideal for the device (in terms of charge time) that the charger Wattage matches or exceeds the Wattage of the device.

Question 11

What happens if my device doesn’t support PD protocol, but I plug it into a PD charger?

Accepted Answer

If the attached device does not support the PD protocol, communication cannot be established. By default, a lower charge rate is used. The short of this being that it may just take longer to charge than normal.

Question 12

What are the best charging stations for PD Charging?

Accepted Answer

Best Charging Stations with USB-C PD

Best Smart Charging Lockers with USB-C PD

FUYL Tower Pro Smart Charging Locker

for a variety of Chromebooks, tablets, laptops & more

for Apple iPads and other tablets

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