USB-A and USB-C - What's to know...
USB-A (Standard USB 2.0, 3.0, 3.1)
- USB 2.0: Up to 2.5W (5V × 0.5A)
- USB 3.0/3.1 Gen 1: Up to 4.5W (5V × 0.9A)
- USB 3.1 Gen 2: Up to 7.5W (5V × 1.5A)
- USB Power Delivery (USB-A with PD): Up to 18W (5V × 3A or 9V × 2A) if the port and cable support USB PD.
Note: Traditional USB-A ports without Power Delivery (PD) are limited to lower wattage. USB-A with PD is less common and typically found in higher-power chargers.
USB-C (with USB Power Delivery - USB PD)
USB-C ports with USB Power Delivery (PD) are significantly more powerful and versatile:
- USB-C (USB 2.0/3.0/3.1 without PD): Up to 15W (5V × 3A)
- USB-C with USB PD:
- Standard PD: Up to 100W (e.g., 20V × 5A)
- Extended PD (PPS): Up to 240W (e.g., 48V × 5A)
- Typical laptop charging: 60W–100W
- Fast charging for phones/tablets: 18W–45W
Key Advantages of USB-C with PD:
- Higher wattage for charging laptops, monitors, and power-hungry devices.
- Bidirectional power flow (can charge or be charged).
- No need for proprietary chargers (e.g., USB-C PD can replace many laptop chargers).
Summary Table
|
Port Type
|
Max Wattage (Without PD)
|
Max Wattage (With PD)
|
|---|---|---|
|
USB-A
|
2.5W – 7.5W
|
Up to 18W
|
|
USB-C
|
Up to 15W
|
Up to 240W
|