What Is PD Charging

Charging your devices faster has never been easier, thanks to USB Power Delivery (PD) charging technology. It is one of the fast-charging methods implemented in all USB-powered gadgets. This fast-charging solution has revolutionized the charging game, providing a more robust and efficient charging experience. But what is PD charging, and how does it differ from other charging solutions?

The USB Power Delivery charging solution supplies high power, ensuring your devices receive more power in less time. The best part about the PD charging technology is that it is not limited to smartphones and tablets; it can even charge power-hungry gadgets like laptops. Jackery Explorer Portable Power Stations feature USB PD charging to power gadgets faster.

What Is PD Charging?

USB Power Delivery is commonly used to fast-charge gadgets, but “What is PD charging” remains a question. The PD charging technology ensures devices take more power in a short amount of time, translating to superfast charging.

USB refers to “Universal Serial Bus,” and the PD refers to “Power Delivery.” The goal of PD charging is to power devices faster than traditional USBs. It generally features a USB-C format currently used in modern-day devices.

Below we reveal the key features of the PD charging solution:

• There is no fixed power direction, meaning the product with power (host or peripheral) can share power with other devices.
• Adjustable voltage supply mode enables devices to request voltages between 15V and the maximum fixed charger voltage available.
• New 28V, 36V, and 48V fixed voltages deliver a power level of 140W, 180W, and 240W, respectively.
• Each gadget takes only the required power by optimizing power management across multiple peripherals.

Compared to traditional USBs, there are many benefits of PD charging. One of the primary benefits is that the PD ensures the devices are not overcharged and only offers the necessary power.

How Does A PD Charging Work?

PD charging technology works by increasing the power delivered to the device in a specific time. Let’s take an example to understand — what is a PD charging port, and how does it work?

Suppose you want to power a new iPhone that takes around 18W of power, and the standard charger that comes along delivers up to 5W. In this instance, you will have nearly 19% of the charge after 30 minutes. However, that’s not the case if you use a power station PD. A typical PD charging solution can deliver up to 18W power stream, charging your iPhone faster. In the same 30 minutes, you will have a 50% charge.

What Is PD Programmable Power Supply (PPS)?

The PD Programmable Power Supply supports minor stepwise alterations in current and voltage. The core purpose of the feature is to reduce conversion loss during charging.

For instance, a lithium-ion battery is generally charged using constant current charging, which is then switched to constant voltage charging. However, the voltage difference between the battery terminal and the supply side can lead to the loss of unnecessary heat.

PPS charging works by reducing the energy loss in the form of heat by enabling the supply side to make stepwise changes in voltage and current.

Versions Of PD Charging

Since its inception, the USB PD technology has come a long way, with multiple versions available.

USB PD 1.0

USB PD 1.0 is the most basic version of the modern USB, launched in 2012. It allowed power delivery of up to 100W over a single USB cable. It has a USB connector shape with minor differences in the internal wiring.

USB PD 2.0

In 2014, the USB PD 2.0 was launched, which favored more flexible power rules. It required the use of USB Type-C connectors and multiple normative voltages and currents. Hence, USB PD 2.0 offered smooth power usage and delivery among devices.

USB PD 3.0

Now let us understand what is PD 3.0 charging and why it is preferred. Released in 2015, USB PD 3.0 allowed the advanced use of Type C power functionalities and capabilities. An essential feature of USB PD 3.0 is role swapping.

If you are charging your laptop using an external battery, a USB Type-C charger can allow the devices to swap roles as long as power conditions are met. That means your computer can become the power provider rather than the consumer without you having to rotate the cables.

Below is a quick overview of the power requirements of different appliances.

USB-C Vs. USB PD Charging

Now that you know the answer to what is PD charging, it’s vital to understand how it differs from USB-C.

USB-C is a type of connection that puts the universal in USB. They are symmetrical and oblong, meaning you can plug them in any way. In addition, the cables are bidirectional, so data and current can travel in either direction. It’s sleek enough to fit in thin devices, including smartphones but capable of charging larger devices like computers.

One important thing to note is that not all USB-C chargers are compatible with PD charging. Power Delivery can handle higher power, allowing you to charge various devices quickly. It starts at 5V and is configurable up to 20V. With the help of a standard USB-C cable, it can handle up to 60W.

Power Delivery (PD) Vs. Quick Charge (QC)

USB Power Delivery and Quick Charge are the two leading fast charging technologies available on the market. Before we dig deep into how they differ, let us understand the basic definition of QC and fast charging.

Fast charging means charging devices faster by speeding up the charging process and shortening the charging time within an acceptable load range. Quick Charge is the technology that provides fast charging and delivers more power/wattage to the connected device.

PD and QC provide fast charging, but they differ in various aspects, such as manufacturing, safety, compatibility, etc.

Manufacturing

USB PD was developed by the USB Implementers Forum (or IF). It is a conglomerate of tech companies that set standards for universal connections for electronic devices. You can find it in some latest iPhone models and Google Pixel Phones.

On the other hand, Qualcomm Quick Charge, developed by Qualcomm, was the first fast-charging standard in the mobile market. It provides more power to the devices and charges them faster than USB chargers.

Speed

There is a negligible difference in the speed of USB PD and QC. That’s why it’s vital to consider the device’s compatibility that needs to be charged. For instance, if you have a phone that supports USB PD, you’ll need a USB PD-compatible charger rather than a QC charger.

Safety

USB PD standards keep the devices safe as it features overvoltage, overtemperature, and overcurrent protection. The charger reduces the power supply and sends an alert whenever any conditions are detected. On the other hand, Quick Charge features Intelligent Thermal Balancing to prevent device overheating and ensure safety.

Compatibility

USB PD supports a wide range of gadgets, given that there is a USB-C power controller and USB-C connector. As a universal charger, compatible devices can share cables and charging adapters. On the other hand, the phones equipped with Qualcomm chipsets support QC charging.

Jackery Power Stations With PD Charging

Now that we have answered what is PD charging port, here are a few tips for choosing the best charger. First, you need to check the input power that your device requires and the number of ports. Then, evaluate the total power output of the charger. It will help you determine how many devices you can power simultaneously.

Jackery is the solar generator pioneer, offering robust and powerful solar panels and portable power stations. The multiple input and output USB ports and Quick Charge 3.0 allows you to charge numerous electrical devices. Jackery Explorer 3000 Pro, Explorer 2000 Plus, and Explorer 1000 Plus Portable Power Stations deliver enormous power for almost all appliances.

Jackery Explorer 3000 Pro Power Station

The ultimate power solution has multiple ports, including 4*AC output (20A Max), 2*USB-A output (Quick Charge 3.0), 2*USB-C output, and 1*AC output (25A Max). It can supply a total AC output of 3000W to charge 99% of your home or outdoor devices. In addition, it features MPPT technology to ensure 99% solar charging efficiency and advanced IBC technology for maximum light absorption.

Jackery Explorer 2000 Plus Portable Power Station 

The Jackery Explorer 2000 Plus Portable Power Station offers a large battery capacity that can charge 99% of household or outdoor appliances, such as refrigerators, TVs, lights, heaters, ACs, etc. You can connect the portable power station to the home's electricity system to ensure important appliances like refrigerators and CPAP machines stay powered during sudden power outages. By adding multiple add-on battery packs, you can extend the battery capacity from 2kWh to 24kWh to make the power station ideal for off-grid living and extended blackouts. 

Jackery Explorer 2000 v2 Portable Power Station 

The Jackery Explorer 2000 v2 Portable Power Station is the smallest, lightest home backup power solution among 2kWh. It is 40% smaller and 34% lighter, making it easy to carry to outdoor adventures such as camping or RV trips. It is designed with instant UPS backup that ensures the refrigerator and Internet stay powered in the blink of an eye, keeping appliances running smoothly during unexpected power outages. 

Jackery Explorer 1000 Plus Portable Power Station 

The Jackery Explorer 1000 Plus Portable Power Station offers more power in a smaller size, ensuring 99% of household or outdoor appliances remain powered. It has a foldable design and ergonomic design that ensures easy movement from one place to another. It is ideal for various scenarios such as camping, off-road travel, and home emergencies. It supports various add-on battery packs to expand the capacity from 1.2kWh to 5kWh.

Please note that this calculation is for reference purposes only and the actual runtime may vary from that mentioned above.

PD Charging FAQs

Is PD the same as USB-C?

In a word, no. While USB PD can operate with a USB-C connection, the vice versa is not possible. This is because not all USB-C chargers are compatible with PD charging. Another difference between the two is that the USB-C charger is faster compared to PD 3.0.

How do you know if my charger is PD or not?

The easiest way to determine whether the charger is PD is by analyzing its features.

• The port has to be a USB-C connector, which differs from older USB versions.
• The corners should be rounded compared to the right-angled ones on USB-A connectors.

Is PD charging safe?

Yes, the PD charging technology is relatively safe and delivers precisely the right amount of power. The main advantage of PD charging is that it analyzes the device’s power requirements and figures out how to charge it quickly without damaging it.

Final Thoughts

Many often ask, “What is PD charging, and why is it preferable?” The reason behind choosing USB-C PD over standard wall chargers is that it supplies an incredible amount of power and charge devices fast. For example, the PD charging technology can charge smartphones and tablets up to 70% faster than a standard USB charger supplying 5W power.

Before choosing any type of charger, it’s vital to understand the power requirements of your home or outdoor devices. If you are perplexed about which charging solution can fit your needs, consider investing in Jackery power stations. Equipped with Quick Charge 3.0, Dual PD charging ports, and USB ports, Jackery Explorer Portable Power Stations can charge a wide range of appliances much faster.