Power Delivery: How to choose PD USB-C charger from 18W-100W

I have read many reviews before, and many people hope that I can explain the PD charger in detail.

PD chargers are now mainstream products. You can choose the one that suits you according to your needs. But most people is still a little confused about choosing a charger that suits them. Next, I will explain how to choose a charger that suits you from 18w-100wPD chargers according to different types.

The PD protocol will be the unified protocol standard in the future. USB-PD includes high-voltage low-current and low-voltage high-current, spanning a variety of devices. Mobile computers, solid state drives, and even displays can use the USB-PD protocol.

PD fast charging can basically satisfy 90% of the fast charging devices on the market, whether Android or Apple. Therefore, it is necessary to choose a suitable PD charger, so that you don’t need too many chargers daily, and you can do it with just one.

So far, there are a total of 3 major versions, namely PD1.0, PD2.0, PD3.0, of which version 1.0 has stipulated the maximum transmission power. USB PD 1.0 sets five levels of power supply capability, backward compatible with USB 2.0/3.0 and BC 1.0/1.1/1.2

1.5V / 2A 10W

2.5V / 2A or 12V / 1.5A 10W～18W

3.5V / 2A or 12V / 3A 10W～36W

4.5V / 2A or 12V / 3A or 20V / 3A 10W～60W

5.5V / 2A or 12V / 5A or 20V / 5A 10W～100W

Switch from USB PD 2.0 to USB 3.1 USB PD3.0

adds a programmable power supply, compatible with various fast charging protocols, and can support up to QC4.0 fast charging.

In other words, the PD can support a maximum of 100W DC 20V power supply from the day it was born, but for charging the device, it also depends on the maximum charging power supported by the device. For example, if your mobile phone supports PD fast charging with a maximum of 18W, then you buy a 60W PD charger, and the mobile phone will use 18W of power to charge after negotiating with the charger.

When some friends choose PD chargers, they face a misunderstanding of PD18W, PD30W, 38W, 45W, 65W, 100W, which one should I buy? Which one is right for my device? 

18w/20 PD Charger

The 18W charger is mainly used to supply power to mobile phones and mobile power supplies. Apple devices: iPhone8, 8Plus, X, XS, XS Max, XR, iPad mini5, 11, 12. Some mobile power supplies that support PD input also use 18W.

30W PD Charger

30W Compatible with laptops on the top, compatible with mobile phones and iPads on the bottom, I personally like to take 30W. In addition to taking into account the charging of iPhone, iPad and notebook, it has been able to keep up with the development of technology this year, and the volume of 30W has been reduced a lot.

PD30W, suitable for MacBook 12 inches, MacBook Air 13 inches (retina screen), iPhone8 to iPhoneXS Max series, iPad Pro 10.5/11/12.9 inches, iPad Air3 10.5 inches.

38W PD Charger

PD20W+USB 18W

38W Dual Port Fast Charging: USB-C port supports max 20W power delivery,USB-A port supports max 18W fast charge. Two ports offer the Independent output without interference if they’re used at the same time. This portable fast charger will quick charge two devices simultaneously to minimize the waiting time.

2.5X More Faster Charging Speed: Equipped with USB-C Power Delivery 3.0 port and Quick Charge 3.0 port, and loaded with max 20W of output power to revive iPhone 12 efficiently from 0 to 50% in just 30 minutes.

45W PD Charger

USB C Port: 5V-3A, 9V-3A，12V-3A

            15V-3A, 20V-2.25A(45W)

The 45W PD fast charge can basically meet most of the mobile phones, tablets and some laptops and Swicth devices on the market. The overall application scenarios are still very extensive.  

The PD 45W charger is suitable for charging 

MacBook 12-inch, MacBook Air 13-inch,

ThinkPad S1 2018 Silver Edition/S2 2018/S2 Yoga 2018 series,

Mi laptop 12.5/13.3nches,

Dell laptop Vostro5370,

HuaweiMateBook X/E, 

Nintendo switch

65W PD Charger

Output: USB-C(PPS)5V/3A,9V/3A,12V/3A 15V/3A, 20V/3.25A(65W)

Compatible 65w USB C laptop devices include:

Macbook Pro 13 inches,

Mi Notebook Pro 15.6 inches, 

ThinkPad’s X1 series,

Huawei MateBook’s 13/14/X Pro, Honor MagicBook,

Dell’s 5290,

HP’s 1040 G4

100W GaN Charger

USB C Port: 5V/3A、9V/3A、15V/3A、20V/5A(100W)

The advantage of high-power multi-port is the integration of multi-device fast charging, greater redundancy and greater flexibility.

In conclusion 

There are many PD chargers from 18W-100W, but you must choose according to your needs. For example, if you only charge your mobile phone, it is unnecessary to buy a 65W charger. Volume is also an important consideration. GaN gallium nitride is gradually becoming popular and has great potential. In the future, there will be more and more chargers using GaN technology, and the volume and heat generation will be better and better controlled.