Why is a new specification being released if the current one has not yet finished taking off? This is precisely one of the reasons for the arrival of USB-C 2.1, but there are many others and above all, there are very few reasons not to want to take the final step towards this. specification and finally leave all of the above behind. Is this new USB-C 2.1 the revolution expected in the industry?
USB-C 2.1, all advantages or disadvantages?
It took no less than two years for USB.org to bring this specification to life thanks to multiple changes, experiments and above all tests with industry leaders. We already knew the USB-C 2.0 version, but what has changed in this new 2.1?
First, let’s talk about what hasn’t changed as such: the connector. The standard remains the same, the same shape, the same size and the same anchors, which also means that it will be completely backward compatible as is already the case with USB-A.
But by keeping this, the changes are already noticeable. In the first place and as something physical, we will have at least two totally different pins: du A4 to A9 and from B4 to B9, which now have the additional feature that they must not short-circuit to earth when connecting the connector.
This is important because it is vital for power supply, power supply and to maintain compatibility with version 2.0 without issue.
New EPR specification
USB-C 2.1 brings us another derivation of the same call EPR o extends the power range. This bypass, which in many cases will not even be flagged (poorly done), will raise the maximum voltage to an incredible 48 volts, which will allow us to work with no less than 240 watts at 5 amps.
Although the comparisons are odious and distant in amperage and voltage, this consumption is similar to that of a custom RTX 3070, there is nothing. This will in theory cause what is called an electric arc in cables and connectors due to increased power supply, hot plugging and unplugging of cables, etc.
Therefore, these EPR connectors and their cables should be marked to indicate that they are not SPRs like the current ones and can supply more current to compatible devices. This is where the PD charging protocol, colloquially known as USB-PD, comes in because this mode helps deliver more power to devices that need it.
And here are the advantages of this USB-C 2.1, since if we look at the current PD standard we will see that it is limited to 100W, 20 volts and 5 amps. From there we move on to the named 48 volts and 5 amps, so that the entire industry will undergo a radical change in the way and method of energy management of its products.
Manufacturers applaud USB-C 2.1, a charger for everyone?
It’s no surprise that each model or series of laptops, for example, has a different charger and is not compatible with the rest of the models. This is mainly due to the technical and energy requirements of each model, where we try to reduce costs depending on the design of the device.
With the arrival of USB-C 2.1, we were able to see a standard for everyone, a single charger that can power any laptop stably. The problem is that surely manufacturers will just decide to differentiate SPR chargers from EPRs and we will kind of get back to where we are today, but very simplified, something is something.
Is it possible that problems or short circuits occur with so much energy?
With 240 watts of power consumption in a single cable, this being USB-C and with the number of devices on the market today, many of you will be wondering if there can be any issues while charging or unloading with it. some cables.
USB.org itself responds to this with Commented Arcing or Kickback. There are two separate mechanisms that can create the voltage differential needed for the arc and with enough current they can damage the contacts due to overheating.
- Iinductive rebound
- Sink drain
Even before either of these mechanisms occurs, there is an initial heat build-up due to all current being channeled through a very small contact point where the power density creates enough heat to potentially melt the metal. The first arcing mechanism is due to inductive rebound which can easily create a voltage delta of 12 volts or more. This event begins when the contact is broken and lasts less than approximately 100 ns.
An inductive feedback arc occurs at any VBUS voltage; occurs regardless of the DC starting voltage on VBUS. This arc has not been seen to cause long term damage to USB Type-C cables in the past because the current is probably too low to overheat the metal (beyond forming a temporary fused bridge of the micron size) to a point where it is a permanent destroyer.
Calculation of the energy of the inductive arc as ½ Li2 produces about 5 µjoules, which is too low an energy to damage metal and matches well with the life observation of USB Type-C connections in practice.
In other words, there is not enough physical damage to understand that it can pose a risk to the component or device connections even over time, despite showing minimal wear. This is reassuring, because even if the charger is really 240 watts you will not melt a device with a lower charge range.
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