The USB-IF released the Power Delivery [PD] specification for USB 3.0. In addition, the 2.0 forum approved it too.
Because we are talking about 100watts over USB there is some risk associated with introducing such a spec. The USB-IF said the power can be sent, both ways, intelligently where power ramps up or down upon delivery. The spec includes an intelligent check of both the cable and the other end’s capability to insure nothing goes up in flames.
If you stop and think about this, if a typical laptop has three USB sockets, what kind of power brick would you need to power the laptop plus 300watts of power, assuming all sockets are requesting a full load. Maybe the power brick will end up being bigger and heavier then the laptop {grin}.
For a very interesting read on the entire PD report, click here.
