What is the USB PD charging protocol?

The PD charging protocol is a power transmission protocol announced by the USB-IF organization. It can increase the Type-c interface of the current default maximum power of 5V/2A to 100W. At the same time, Google announced that the fast charging protocol for mobile phones with Android 7.0 or higher must support PD. The agreement means that Google will be able to unify the market quickly.

USB-PowerDelivery (USB PD) is one of the popular fast charging protocols. It is a fast charging specification developed by the USB-IF organization. USBPD increases power delivery through USB cables and connectors, extending cable power in USB applications. The specification enables higher voltages and currents, delivers up to 100 watts of power, and is free to change the direction of power delivery.

The relationship between USB PD and Type-C. People often put USBPD and Type-C together, and even use the Type-C charger as a PD charger. USBPD and Type-C are two different things. USBPD is a fast charging protocol, and Type-C is a new interface specification. The Type-C interface supports up to 5V/3A, but after implementing the USBPD protocol, the output power can be supported up to 100W. So many devices with practical Type-C interfaces now support the USBPD protocol.

The development prospects of USBPD. USBPD has now evolved to the USBPD 3.0 version. Under the impetus of Google, USBPD has already compiled Qualcomm’s QC fast charging protocol. It is expected to unify the current chaotic fast-charging market in the near future.