What is a PD Charger? Most Complete USB PD Charger Guide

In today's digital world, one can hardly live without 3C products like mobile phones, computers, cameras, etc. Faced with this, charging our devices quickly and efficiently has become a top priority. If you are also tired of carrying a large number of chargers and cables for different devices, then a Power Delivery(PD) charger is exactly what you need. With the introduction of PD chargers, charging our devices has become faster and more convenient than ever before.

What is a PD charger? How to pick one for yourself? This complete PD charger guide will take you to the world of PD chargers, including but not limited to what a PD charger is, how it works, its features, benefits, and recommended options for the best USB PD charger.

What is a PD Charger?

PD charger, short for Power Delivery charger, is a type of fast-charging technology that allows USB-C compatible devices to charge at high speed.
This type C PD charger uses USB-C cables and ports to deliver up to 240 Watts of power to multiple devices. This universal charging standard makes it the best solution for quickly charging smartphones, computers, cameras, and other gadgets. Click to read about Guide to the Types of USB Cables.

How Does a PD Charger Work?

A PD charger works by negotiating power levels between the charger and the device it is charging. This negotiation allows the device to receive the maximum amount of power it can safely handle without wasting unnecessary power or damaging the device's circuitry.

The USB PD 3.1 specification adds 3 new voltages: 28V, 36V, and 48V. The maximum output current is still 5A under these 3 voltages, thus making the maximum output power reach up to 240W, allowing for much faster charging speeds compared to standard chargers.

Features of USB PD Charger

After knowing what is a PD charger and how it works, here are some key features of a USB PD charger to help you get a better understanding of it.

1. Compatible with a wide range of devices: Almost all modern digital devices offer a USB-C port for data transfer and charging. Since a PD charger means a USB C charger using power delivery standards, it can adapt to more devices.

2. Offer various power level outputs: Power delivery charging supports multiple power outputs, including 10W, 18W, 60W, 100W, and 240W at most, depending on different device specifications.

3. Smart power negotiation: Adjust power output based on device demand for better charging efficiency and battery life.

Benefits of Using USB PD Charger

All these features make PD charging the universal charging option. It greatly improves the charging efficiency and brings us convenience. Here are the noticeable advantages of using a USB PD charger.

1. Charging safely: When charging with a type C PD charger, the charger and the device negotiate to establish the highest power level the device can safely handle. This process ensures a worry-free power delivery without damaging the device or the charger.

2. Charging devices super fast: As mentioned above, the maximum output power of PD charging can reach up to 240W and guarantees a fast charging experience. Though, in most cases, a 100w PD charger is fast enough to meet our daily needs.

3. Adapted to more devices: From smartphones and laptops to gaming consoles and cameras, more and more devices use a USB-C port. This makes a PD changer a universal charging solution.

4. Convenient to Carry: You don’t need to carry several chargers for your phone, computer, and iPad respectively, a single PD charger serves them all.

How to Know If My Device Supports PD Charging?

There are basically 3 ways to check if your devices support PD charging. First, for laptops only, make sure your PC has a USB-C PD port. If so, see what symbols are next to it and compare them with the following table.

The second way is to find and read the specifications. A little description using terms like "rapid charging", "Quick Charge 2.0" or "QC3.0" should be found in PD-enabled cables and accessories.

Another way to do so is to connect your PD charger to your device. If it charges successfully with a lightning bolt in your device's charging icon, it is likely already in a fast-charging mode.

Does iPhone Support PD Charge?

Though iPhones launched in recent years enabled the USB PD standards, iPhones before the iPhone 8 series did not enable PD fast charging. For users of the old iPhone version, how to charge them quickly without PD technology? Here are still many choices, for example, Ugreen iPhone Charger. Ugreen provides a one-stop solution for digital charging services and other digital-related supports.

Key features of Ugreen Fast charger for iPhone:

• High power output of 30W to 160W for super-fast charging.

• Wide compatibility from USB-C to USB-A charging ports.

• More efficient supports 1-4 charging ports.

• Offer wireless charger for iPhone meets all your needs.

• Affordable fast charger price.

FAQs About PD Charger

Still confused? Here are some frequently asked questions about USB PD technology and chargers. See if they can help.

1. What Does a PD Mean?

A USB-PD refers to the USB Power Delivery standard and technology, which was announced by the USB Implementers Forum in 2012. This standard enables USB to quickly transfer power using the chip's protocol. It can deliver more power and charge faster than typical USB charging methods.

2. Do All USB-C Ports Support PD Charging?

No, only devices enabled PD technique can support PD charging. To know whether your device enabled this feature, go check the manufacturer's website or the user manual.

3. Is PD Charger the Same as Quick Charger?

Not exactly the same. Though they all allow users to charge devices rapidly, PD chargers typically have a larger power output than QC chargers and can charge a broader range of devices.

4. Are PD Chargers Safe to Use?

Yes, PD chargers are safe to use as they negotiate maximum delivery power they can safely handle to protect your devices from overcharging, overheating, and short circuits.

The Bottom Line

In the rapidly developing society where various chargers including QC and GaN chargers booming, the USB PD charger becomes a game-changer when it comes to quickly and efficiently charging your devices. With its fast charging capabilities, compatibility with various devices, and other convenient features, a PD charger is a must-have accessory for anyone looking to keep their devices fully charged at all times.