NEWS LETTER - IDX-tra: October 2022
Posted by Don Mainardi on 13th Oct 2022
Power Delivery via USB-C
It can be asked why, after all of these years of using USB-A connections, do we need USB-C PD? The answer is a resounding “YES”. USB-A was helpful in providing a pathway to transfer information, but when compared with USB-C PD, it is like comparing a dirt road with a six-lane highway. The USB-C is compatible with the USB-A interface. Smaller and more slender than the Type A, USB-C is designed with a reversible tip and no “up” or “down” orientation. This means you don’t need to flip the connector around several times to fit it correctly into the port. It is sleek enough to be used in small, thin devices such as smartphones, but also capable of handling enough power to charge larger devices like laptops and computers. USB-A and USB-C are like one-way streets that can handle light traffic.
USB-C PD (Power Delivery)
The new standard with fast-charging technology based on the USB-C standard. The fundamental difference between USB-C and USB-C PD is that USB-C is a reversible USB connector with a small form factor, whereas USB PD is a power delivery protocol that supports power delivery up to 240W. This specification was created by the USB Implement Forum.
USB-C PD is two ways and can accommodate higher volumes of traffic. That is why we see USB-C
PD more widespread as a path to power larger devices, such as professional camcorders, monitors, laptops, tablets, and the like.
As you may know, several years ago, IDX pioneered the concept of power taps on the battery with the DUO Series. That series was the first to offer two D-Taps and one USB-A. At that time, the only uses for USB-A were to power iPads and phones for talent and crew. Once the option was available, other devices used USB-A instead of D-Taps, freeing up D-Taps for other devices. This is why IDX has now moved up to placing USB-C PD on the new ZEN three-stud Series and the DUO-CP Series (up to 60W).
At the same time, IDX added two small, light, but very powerful charging devices, the UC-PD1 and UC-PD2. Now travel is made easier with these smaller, lighter charging devices.
