Fast charging technology enables electronic devices to charge significantly faster than traditional methods. It works through protocols that allow devices and chargers to communicate and negotiate power levels, ensuring optimal and safe charging speeds. Essentially, it's like a language that both the device and charger must understand to enable fast charging. While there are many fast charging protocols, the two most widely adopted ones are Quick Charge (QC) and USB Power Delivery (PD). These protocols have transformed how we power our devices, making it more convenient and efficient to keep our gadgets ready.

Principle of Fast Charging

The theory behind fast charging involves delivering higher electrical power (voltage and/or amperage) to the device than standard charging. By increasing the electrical transfer rate, fast charging significantly reduces charging time, allowing devices to charge faster. Fast charging technology can be achieved through the following three methods:

1. High voltage, low current mode: Increase voltage to boost charging power.
2. Low voltage, high current mode: Increase current to enhance charging power.
3. High voltage, high current mode: Increase both voltage and current.

Fast charging technologies currently being discussed in the market include Quick Charge™ (QC), launched by Qualcomm, and USB Power Delivery (PD), defined by the USB Developer Forum.

What is the Quick Charge-QC?

Qualcomm Quick Charge (QC) is a fast-charging technology developed by Qualcomm Technologies Inc., designed primarily for devices with Qualcomm Snapdragon processors. QC delivers significantly more power than standard USB chargers, avoiding overheating USB cables. Quick Charge 5 can provide over 100 watts of power and includes essential safety features to prevent overheating, over-voltage, and overcurrent.

QC can charge devices from 0% to 50% in five minutes. It is also widely compatible, supporting over 250 mobile devices and 1,000 accessories.

What is the USB Power Delivery?

USB-Power Delivery (PD) is a fast-charging technology based on the USB-C standard. It supports various devices, including smartphones/tablets and KIWI310 from KIWI boards. This technoogy can deliver up to 240 watts, supplying more power than standard chargers. This enables faster charging—up to 70% quicker—and provides broad compatibility as an open standard, reducing the need for specific chargers. 

Key features include the ability to transmit power, data, and video signals using a single cable, automatic negotiation of optimal voltage and current for safe charging, and environmental benefits by reducing the need for multiple cables. Overall, USB-C PD enhances convenience, charging speed, and compatibility across various devices.

Is USB Power Delivery safe for KIWI boards?

Fast charging can present potential risks if used with non-certified accessories. It's essential to ensure that fast-charging accessories like chargers and cables are certified to meet safety and performance standards. This reduces the risk of overheating or short circuits damaging your KIWI boards and chargers.

Suppose you're unsure which power supply to choose for your KIWI boards. In that case, you can purchase the original Type-C PD Adapter (FSP065-A1BR3, part number 509000000100) or visit the previous post to check a comparison of different chargers.

About KIWI board

KIWI board is a complete solution provider, supporting all aspects of your project, from hardware to software to system integration, to keep your application running securely, reliably, and at peak performance. KIWI board builds its products for high reliability, performance, security, scalability, and versatility. So, customers can expect a long lifespan, quickly adapt to evolving system requirements, and adopt future technologies as they emerge.

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