Power Delivery (PD)

An Introduction to the PD Standard

What exactly is Power Delivery (PD)?

USB Power Delivery is a fast-charging standard over USB-C™, enabling power levels far beyond conventional USB ports. Unlike regular USB connections that typically deliver 2.5 to 15 W, PD can supply up to 240 W depending on the version. That allows efficient and safe charging or power not only of smartphones but also tablets, laptops, or even displays.

To check whether a device supports PD, you can look for PD markings in its technical specifications or on the cable or power adapter. Because Power Delivery is an open industry standard, it is used across different brands and improves compatibility between devices and manufacturers.

2. How does PD work on the technical level?

PD is based on intelligent negotiation. When a USB-C™ charger connects to a device, both ends “ask” each other what voltage and current levels they safely support. This exchange occurs automatically in milliseconds, ensuring the device receives exactly the maximum power it can handle – no more, no less.

Depending on the PD version, voltage levels span 5 V, 9 V, 15 V, 20 V, up to 48 V. Combined with currents up to 5 A, this enables output levels of 100 W or even 240 W in PD 3.1 (Extended Power Range). This method prevents overcharging or overheating, safeguarding both the charger and the device.

Typical power levels

mode	voltage	max. current	max. output	application examples
Standard Power Range	5 Volt	3 Ampere	15 Watt	smartphones, smartwatches
	9 Volt	3 Ampere	27 Watt	external drives, large speakers
	15 Volt	3 Ampere	45 Watt	laptops, USB-C™ monitors
	20 Volt	3 Ampere	60 Watt	docking stations, tools
	20 Volt	5 Ampere	100 Watt	high-performance laptops, graphic cards
Extended Power Range	28 Volt	5 Ampere	140 Watt	high-performance laptops, docking stations
	36 Volt	5 Ampere	180 Watt	high-performance laptops, docking stations
	48 Volt	5 Ampere	240 Watt	high-performance laptops, docking stations

3. What is PD good for?

In practice, Power Delivery offers flexible and fast charging for many device types. Smartphones, tablets, and laptops can often be powered using a single charger—provided they support PD. With just one high-quality charger and the appropriate cable, multiple devices can be powered at work – or laptops and power banks can be quickly charged on the go.

This reduces the number of cables and chargers needed, especially useful on the go or in the office. Many modern devices — Android phones, MacBooks, Windows laptops — now use USB-C™ with PD support.

4. Using Power Delivery correctly: What to watch out for

Not every USB-C™ port supports PD. The standard only works if the charger, cable, and device are all PD-compatible. Some USB-C™ ports are limited to data transfer or lower power levels. The cable is key: for power above 60 W, you need EPR-certified cables with E-Markers and 5 A rating. Cheap or uncertified cables may limit charging speed or fail. Reliable indicators are labels like “USB PD 3.0” or “USB-C™ 100 W.”

Some brands also use proprietary fast-charging standards, which may not be compatible with PD. Lower-cost chargers sometimes lack safeguards against overheating or short circuits, which poses safety risks. Thus, using high-quality, certified components is essential for safe, reliable PD use.

5. Delock product examples with PD technology

All Delock products with Power Delivery in one overview