On June 2, 2021, the USB Association (USB-IF) announced version 3.1 of the latest USB Power Delivery specification (called USB PD 3.1), which increases the charging Power of USB PD from the previous maximum of only 100W to 240W. With the new definition and more rigorous power communication protocol, of course, can provide more secure and high power charging, and can expand the use range; In addition, the USB Type-C connection cable and specification are also updated to version 2.1 to accommodate the 240W charging power of USB PD 3.1. With the unification of USB charging ports and charging protocols such as mobile phones, the power demand of USB ports continues to grow. Recently, the maximum power limit of USB protocol has been updated to support 240W.

USB PD Version Update history:

Before the release of the latest power protocol, USB Type C has a maximum support of 20V 5A. After this update, not only the power has been improved, but also the voltage has been further updated. The latest USB PD will support 28V, 36V, and 48V, and the power has been subdivided into 140W, 180W, and 240W.

From the development history of USB PD, it was only the increase of current in the past, but after the increase of voltage this time, higher working voltage requirements for the chip and higher requirements for circuit design are put forward.

USB PD 3.1 combined with IEC/EN 62368-1

After this change, USB will only retain 60W and 240W specifications, and they need to be marked online. Communication products use standard IEC/EN 62368-1, for more than 100W power (PS3) products put forward higher fire protection requirements, therefore, in product design, need to pay special attention to the risk of stricter standards.

For example, in the case of PS3, when the distance between the potential ignition source PIS and the shell is less than 5mm, the fire rating needs v-0, which also poses a challenge to the product design cost. The majority of manufacturers need to pay special attention to this requirement and take timely measures.

If you have any technical questions about USB applications, please feel free to contact us. At the same time, we will continue to pay attention to the usB-IF related technical updates for you, for the first time to provide professional interpretation!

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