What is PD 3.1

Today many devices are charged by USB ports such as laptops, cell phones, tablets, portable speakers and other hand-held devices. The USB Power Delivery (PD) Specification enables the maximum functionality of USB by providing more flexible power delivery over a single cable.

What is PD 3.1 Protocol?

The USB Power Delivery PD 3.1 is announced in 2021 and it enables power up to 240W. As before, the USB PD 3.0 protocol was limited up to 100W by voltage 20V at 5A current. The USB Type-C specification has also been updated to Release 2.1 for the 240W cable. Because the old USB-C cable cannot support 240-watt of power for the new PD 3.1 protocol. According to the USB IF, the cables, as well as charges with 240 watts, will be officially called EPR (Extended Power Range).
Now, the PD 3.1 Protocol is already available on some devices including MacBook Pro 2021 M1 16-inch and 14-inch. It also means that the new charger of Apple MacBook Pro laptops will be compatible with all the other devices that support PD 3.1 Protocol.
INVZI GaNHub 140W GaN Charger with PD 3.1 can fast charge your MacBook Pro (16-inch, 2021) or MacBook Pro (14-inch, 2021) up to 50% battery in 30 minutes.

16-inch MacBook Pro M1

On the 16-inch MacBook Pro, you can fast charge with the following adapter and cable:
• 140W INVZI GaN Charger 3-Port + USB-C to MagSafe 3 Cable

14-inch MacBook Pro M1

On the 14-inch MacBook Pro, you can fast charge with the following combinations of power sources and cables:
• 140W INVZI GaN Charger 3-Port + USB-C to MagSafe 3 Cable
• 100W INVZI GaN Charger 4-Port + USB-C to MagSafe 3 Cable
• 100W INVZI GaN Charger 4-Port + USB-C charge cable
• 67W INVZI GaN Charger

It’s important to note that USB Implementers Forum also stated that all the new cables and chargers with PD 3.1 capability must also bear specific icons for the convenience of end-users. It’ll allow customers to visually confirm that they’re buying cables with 240-watt support.

Features of PD 3.1 Protocol 

The new USB PD 3.1 protocol offers increased power levels up to 240 watts. Other than that, it also flaunts the following features:
• The new 28V, 36V and 48V fixed voltages enable the charging power up to 140W, 180W and 240W respectively.
• The voltage allows the devices charging intermediate between 15V to 48V Max.
• The power direction enables the device with the power to provide the power.
• It optimizes the power management on multiple peripherals. Each device can take the power it needs and to get more power when required for a given application.
• It enables intelligent and flexible power management at the system level by optional hub communication with PC.
• It allows low power device such as headset to get the power it actually needs.

INVZI GaNHub USB-C GaN Chargers supports the PD3.1 charging protocol. The 140W GaN Charger is the smallest PD 3.1 charger with 3 USB-C Ports. It can fast charge your 16-inch and 14-inch MacBook Pro up to 50% battery in about 30 minutes. The 67W GaN Charger is designed for 14-inch MacBook Pro M1 2021. It is 60% smaller than the Apple’s 67W USB-C charger.

Learn More about INVZI GaNHub USB-C GaN Chargers.