USB-C will soon support 240 Watt power delivery but creates one more new standard

[Redaktion]

USB-C cables will soon be able to deliver up to 240 Watts of power, a big bump from the current standard of 100 Watts. However, the improved power delivery mandates a new USB specification, which means new cables and a new logo to designate 240 W-capable USB-C cables.

https://www.notebookcheck.net/USB-C-will-soon-support-240-Watt-power-delivery-but-creates-one-more-new-standard.541221.0.html

[kek]

USB-C was a mistake.
Seriously, in laptops at least, Dell's propietary port connector used on Latitude seems to be the best solution: it's cheap, it lasts a long time and it's safe to use.

[Gomer5483]

USB-C was a great idea with poor implementation... They really need to link the data and power standards so a new 230 watt cable is matched with the highest data standard.  Its annoying to have to search through charging cables to find the right data standards.  Im sure Intel is enjoying royalties from people buying thunderbolt cables to ensure their cable will handle 100w charging and data.

[cdanc]

Very poorly written article! There is no info regarding the new specification. I had a look at the pdf and the new standard reaches 240W with maximum 48V and maximum 5A. I see two positive aspects here:
1. the maximum current is the same as for the "old" power delivery specification which uses 20V and 5A. This means that the thickness of the two power wires remains the same, i.e. the new cables will not be thicker.
2. increasing the maximum voltage to 48V means that many other electronics could be powered/charged with USB-C. Just think how nice would be to be able to charge your electric bike (Bosch and Shimano use 36V - 42V) or all your electric power tools. Of course, the manufacturers have to implement USB-C charging. We will get rid of all proprietary chargers less powerful than 48V, 5A.

[_MT_]

Very poorly written article! There is no info regarding the new specification. I had a look at the pdf and the new standard reaches 240W with maximum 48V and maximum 5A. I see two positive aspects here:
1. the maximum current is the same as for the "old" power delivery specification which uses 20V and 5A. This means that the thickness of the two power wires remains the same, i.e. the new cables will not be thicker.
2. increasing the maximum voltage to 48V means that many other electronics could be powered/charged with USB-C. Just think how nice would be to be able to charge your electric bike (Bosch and Shimano use 36V - 42V) or all your electric power tools. Of course, the manufacturers have to implement USB-C charging. We will get rid of all proprietary chargers less powerful than 48V, 5A.

1. Not necessarily. While you don't need more copper, you might need better insulation. 48 V is not a lot. But if they have indeed kept connector and current the same and only increased voltage, then insulation must be the reason for needing new cables.

2. I don't really like that idea. First of all, USB-C is a relatively fragile connector. I certainly wouldn't want it on a power tool. I want something that can handle abuse. Not because I'm careless and abuse things but because accidents can happen, even to careful people. And it would require a built-in charger. USB-C isn't designed to charge bare batteries and cells. It's essentially just a power supply. The device needs an integrated charger. Different cells charge differently. Corresponding logic must be part of the device. The charger can then negotiate with the power supply.

And I don't really see the value. I am not going to share a charger between a drill and a laptop. Batteries for power tools live in a workshop with the tools. Charger for a laptop lives in a laptop bag. Nor with electric bicycle. I guess it could be interesting to be able to recharge a battery in a pinch. Like when you go on a vacation and forget the charger. But not as the primary means. I would rather have a magnetic primary connector to guard you from your own stupidity when you might try to set off without unplugging it first.

[_MT_]

And I don't really see the value.

While I can see the value for traveling where you only have one charger for everything, I tend to charge multiple devices simultaneously. Having to charge one after another is a drag. Especially when you spend all day out. I just want to plug things in and go to sleep. I don't want to have to wake up to switch devices in the middle of the night. Also, I never really felt like "gee, if only I didn't have to carry so many chargers." Really, the main benefit I see is simplification of sourcing a replacement when a charger dies.

[Dorby]

Exactly. Imagine carrying one Multi-USB-C charger that supplies 400watts and has multiple outputs for these new EPR USB-C cables.
You can power multiple devices simultaneously, or just unplug the USB-C cables for other things like data transfer, displayout, or USB-hub when not charging.

For me at least, that's better than having to carry several heavy chargers, and many various cables for different purposes.

[_MT_]

Exactly. Imagine carrying one Multi-USB-C charger that supplies 400watts and has multiple outputs for these new EPR USB-C cables.
You can power multiple devices simultaneously, or just unplug the USB-C cables for other things like data transfer, displayout, or USB-hub when not charging.

For me at least, that's better than having to carry several heavy chargers, and many various cables for different purposes.

Most chargers are small. And most devices take nowhere near 100 W. Meaning, it's already possible to use a multiport USB PSU to charge several devices. The biggest problem I have is that many third-party products are of questionable quality.

I really like USB power for things like wireless mice. Especially the portable kind. That's a charger that I certainly won't miss. But if I have two or three laptops with me, I'm going to have two or three bricks. I don't see myself buying a 400 W supply just so I can power all three from one.

[S.Yu]

So much for "universal" ::)

[vertigo]

And I don't really see the value.

As with most things, it will be useful to some and not to others. Personally, I'm specifically buying things powered by USB-C at this point, partly due to the superiority of the connector over micro-USB, but also so I can use one or two chargers to charge everything instead of half a dozen. Half a year ago, I needed a separate charger each for my laptop (proprietary); phone (C); tablet, second phone, and gaming and BT headsets (micro); trimmer (proprietary); and electric razor (proprietary); plus mini-USB cables for my scanners, microphone, and PS3 controllers, and USB-B 3.0 for my external drive enclosure. It was a mess. It's still a mess, but it's getting a lot better as I transition things over to USB-C. Now I use one charger for my laptop, phone, gaming headset, and trimmer, and gradually I'll move everything else I can to USB-C as well, so I just need one or two chargers and a couple cables that will work with anything. I realize most of these are low-wattage, but I'd like to get a multi-bay HDD enclosure that can be powered by USB-C, so if needed, I can share the computer adapter. And if I had an electric bike, moped, etc, I could certainly see the benefit to being able to take my laptop and leave its charger at home and just use the bike's charger while out. It never hurts to have that capability, even if you don't use it, but it's certainly nice to have the option.

My main thought regarding this, though, is that maybe it means we'll finally get USB-powered touch displays like I've mentioned elsewhere. And, of course, a USB-powered multiple drive enclosure.