Universal charger

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Mobile phone charger plugs Mobile phone charger plugs.jpg
Mobile phone charger plugs

Universal charger or common charger refers to various projects to standardize the connectors of power supplies, particularly for battery-powered devices.

Contents

Since the publication of the USB Power Delivery standard in 2012, and the USB-C connector in 2014, USB-C has become a widespread standard for charging mobile phones.

Advantages and disadvantages

A situation where a variety of connectors proliferate has several disadvantages. It is inconvenient and costly for users, and causes unnecessary electronic waste when users change devices, due to the disposal of chargers still in working order. [1]

Legislation for mandatory charger standards has been criticized, particularly by Apple, who argued in 2019 that a single standard would "freeze innovation rather than encourage it." Apple also noted that if a universal standard was not an existing standard, adoption of a new standard would lead to increased e-waste. [2] Apple uses their proprietary Lightning connector for many devices, but is in the process of transitioning to USB-C.

Examples

European Union

In 2009, the European Union proposed the common external power supply, a voluntary specification from 2009 to 2014, which used the micro USB connector.

In 2022, the EU passed Radio Equipment Directive 2022/2380, a law which requires all new smartphones to use USB-C charging by the end of 2024, and all laptops by spring 2026. [3]

South Korea

In March 2001, the Korean Telecommunications Technology Association (TTA) released a "Standard on I/O Connection Interface of Digital Cellular Phone". [4] This standard describes the electromechanical interface specifications for cellular phone charging, wired data communication, analog audio, etc. and was released together with related test and certification specifications. [5] [6] The main feature of the standard is the specification of a 24-pin connector/socket for mobile phones to handle connections for power input (battery charging) and output, data communication (USB and other digital signals), analog audio inputs and outputs (for hands-free microphone, earphone) and other signals. The 2007 revision of the standard [7] specified a smaller 20-pin connector to succeed the 24-pin connector and added analog (composite) video output support, among other changes. Chargers with the new 20-pin connectors started appearing in 2008 and phone manufacturers were urged to include 24-to-20-pin adapters with new phones sold in Korea to enable the charging of new phones with the older 24-pin chargers. [8]

China

In December 2006, the Chinese Ministry of Industry and Information Technology (MII) released a new China Communications Standards Association (CCSA) standard, "Technical Requirements and Test Method of Charger and Interface for Mobile Telecommunication Terminal Equipment". [9] This standard describes the electromechanical requirements for a common mobile device battery charger equipped with a USB type-A socket providing power at 5 V DC. All new mobile phones requesting network access approval in China from June 2007 are required to support charging from the new common chargers. The original 2006 regulation is flexible regarding the interface on the mobile phone itself, allowing for the use of adapter cables if the mobile device is not equipped with a standard USB connector. [10] Among other things, the 2009 update adds references to USB On-The-Go (OTG) support and the use of USB micro-B, micro-AB, mini-B; and Mini-10-pin and cylindrical ("barrel") type connectors on the terminal (phone) for charging. [11]

GSMA universal charging solution (UCS) and OMTP common charging solution (CCS)

OMTP's common charging solution (CCS) components OMTP Common Charging Solution components.png
OMTP's common charging solution (CCS) components

In February 2009, the GSM Association (GSMA), together with six mobile phone manufacturers and technology providers, and eleven mobile service providers, announced their commitment to implementing a cross-industry standard for a common/universal charging solution for new mobile phones and chargers. The aim of the GSMA initiative was "...to ensure that the mobile industry adopts a common format for mobile phone charger connections and energy-efficient charger...". Universal charging solution (UCS) chargers were required to use micro-USB as the common universal charging interface and have a four-star or higher efficiency rating (standby energy use ≤ 0.15 W). [12]

The Open Mobile Terminal Platform industry forum (OMTP) specified the requirements of the GSMA's Universal Charging Solution and published these requirements under the title "Common Charging and Local Data Connectivity" in 2009. This document specified the three components of a common charging solution (CCS): a charging and local data connector (CLD) on the "terminal" (e.g., a mobile phone) consisting of a micro USB-B (2.0) or micro USB-AB (2.0) receptacle; a common power supply (CPS) with a USB type-A receptacle; and a detachable USB type-A to micro USB-B (2.0) cable to connect the power supply with the mobile phone. [13] As of early 2011, an additional 10 service providers and one additional mobile phone manufacturer had joined the agreement. [14]

In April 2009, the industry trade group The Wireless Association (CTIA) announced its support of the GSMA's Universal Charging Solution. [15]

ITU Universal power adapter and charger solution

The International Telecommunication Union (ITU, the UN specialized agency in the field of telecommunications, information and communication technologies) announced in October 2009 that it had also embraced the universal charging solution standard—based on input from the GSMA—as its "energy-efficient one-charger-fits-all new mobile phone solution." [16] The ITU published Recommendation ITU-T L.1000, specifying a charger similar in most respects to that of the GSMA/OMTP proposal and of the Chinese charger and the EU's common EPS. The ITU specifies that the OMTP's more aggressive "preferred" no load consumption requirement be mandatory after a three-year "transition period" but is more flexible in allowing the use of captive cables and USB micro-B adapters in its "target solution" – similar to the European common EPS standard. The ITU recommendation was expanded and updated in June 2011. [17]

USB Power Delivery and Type-C specification

In 2012, the USB Power Delivery (PD) specification was released. Power Delivery provides the ability for 5 V devices to draw more than 7.5 W of power (the limit specified by USB Battery Charging) from USB PD-aware ports when using PD-aware USB cables. The specification also allows PD ports to provide even greater power at higher voltages over PD-aware cables; up to 36 W at 12 V and 60 W at 20 V (for micro-USB connectors) and up to 60 W at 12 V and 100 W at 20 V (for type-A/B connectors). [18]

In August 2014, the USB 3.0 Promoter Group announced the completion of the USB Type-C connector and cable specification. Type-C cables and connectors are reversible and are electrically backward compatible, but not physically backward compatible, with previous USB plugs and receptacles. New-to-existing cables and adapters have been defined. Some USB Type-C cables and connectors can support "USB performance at SuperSpeed USB 10 Gbps (USB 3.1) and USB Power Delivery up to 100W" [19] [20] [21] although USB Type-C cables are only required to support USB 2.0 (non-SuperSpeed) data rates and 3 A (60 W at 20 V) of current. [22] Such minimum-specification USB Type-C cables are sometimes referred to as "charge" cables because, for most mobile device battery charging applications, 60 W is more than sufficient and a higher data transfer speed is less important than minimizing cable cost and maximizing cable length.

IEC Technical Specification 62700: DC Power supply for notebook computer

IEC 62700 is a specification published in 2014 with the aim of creating a universal laptop charger. [23] [24]

IEEE P1823, universal power adapter for mobile devices (UPAMD)

IEEE P1823 was a proposed global standard for a universal power adapter for mobile devices (UPAMD) that require between 10 W and 240 W. E.g., Laptops, larger tablets and other mobile devices that can require much more power than the (non-Power Delivery) USB battery charging specification limit of 7.5 W at 5 V. [25]

The specification was published in 2015, [26] but was not widely adopted. In 2019 the chair of the IEEE 1823 working group wrote, "Currently the IT market which 1823 standard was originally intended had been swayed by USB SIG to use type C connector as alternatives." [27]

See also

Related Research Articles

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Universal Serial Bus (USB) is an industry standard that allows data exchange and delivery of power between many various types of electronics. It specifies its architecture, in particular its physical interface, and communication protocols for data transfer and power delivery to and from hosts, such as personal computers, to and from peripheral devices, e.g. displays, keyboards, and mass storage devices, and to and from intermediate hubs, which multiply the number of a host's ports.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">SATA</span> Computer bus interface for storage devices

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<span class="mw-page-title-main">Phone connector (audio)</span> Family of connectors typically used for analog signals

A phone connector is a family of cylindrically-shaped electrical connectors primarily for analog audio signals. Invented in the late 19th century for telephone switchboards, the phone connector remains in use for interfacing wired audio equipment, such as headphones, speakers, microphones, mixing consoles, and electronic musical instruments. A male connector, is mated into a female connector, though other terminology is used.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">DC connector</span> Electrical connector for carrying DC power

A DC connector is an electrical connector for supplying direct current (DC) power.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">AC adapter</span> Type of external power supply

An AC adapter or AC/DC adapter is a type of external power supply, often enclosed in a case similar to an AC plug. AC adapters deliver electric power to devices that lack internal components to draw voltage and power from mains power themselves. The internal circuitry of an external power supply is often very similar to the design that would be used for a built-in or internal supply.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">History of mobile phones</span> Mobile communication devices

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<span class="mw-page-title-main">USB On-The-Go</span> Specification for USB devices

USB On-The-Go is a specification first used in late 2001 that allows USB devices, such as tablets or smartphones, to also act as a host, allowing other USB devices, such as USB flash drives, digital cameras, mouse or keyboards, to be attached to them. Use of USB OTG allows devices to switch back and forth between the roles of host and device. For example, a smartphone may read from removable media as the host device, but present itself as a USB Mass Storage Device when connected to a host computer.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Battery charger</span> Device used to provide electricity

A battery charger, recharger, or simply charger, is a device that stores energy in a battery by running an electric current through it. The charging protocol depends on the size and type of the battery being charged. Some battery types have high tolerance for overcharging and can be recharged by connection to a constant voltage source or a constant current source, depending on battery type. Simple chargers of this type must be manually disconnected at the end of the charge cycle. Other battery types use a timer to cut off when charging should be complete. Other battery types cannot withstand over-charging, becoming damaged, over heating or even exploding. The charger may have temperature or voltage sensing circuits and a microprocessor controller to safely adjust the charging current and voltage, determine the state of charge, and cut off at the end of charge. Chargers may elevate the output voltage proportionally with current to compensate for impedance in the wires.

The Open Mobile Terminal Platform (OMTP) was a forum created by mobile network operators to discuss standards with manufacturers of mobile phones and other mobile devices. During its lifetime, the OMTP included manufacturers such as Huawei, LG Electronics, Motorola, Nokia, Samsung and Sony Ericsson.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Enhanced mini-USB</span>

An enhanced mini-USB (EMU) connector is a type of hybrid electrical connector which carries Universal Serial Bus data and power as well as other connections such as bidirectional audio. It was invented for and is mainly used on mobile phones. Motorola, HTC Corporation, and other mobile phone manufacturers use EMU connectors. There is more than one standard for EMU connectors, which are incompatible between manufacturers, but all are physically and electrically compatible with standard mini-USB connectors. The EMU connector has five pins for USB on one side. While regular USB connectors are empty on the other side, EMU has more pins intended for headsets. In HTC's version, two pins are for the microphone, three are for stereo sound, and one is for the push-to-talk switch.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">USB 3.0</span> Third major version of the Universal Serial Bus standard

Universal Serial Bus 3.0, marketed as SuperSpeed USB, is the third major version of the Universal Serial Bus (USB) standard for interfacing computers and electronic devices. It was released in November 2008. The USB 3.0 specification defined a new architecture and protocol, named SuperSpeed, which included a new lane for a new signal coding scheme providing full-duplex data transfers that physically required five additional wires and pins, while preserving the USB 2.0 architecture and protocols and therefore keeping the original four pins and wires for the USB 2.0 backward-compatibility, resulting in nine wires in total and nine or ten pins at connector interfaces. The new transfer rate, marketed as SuperSpeed USB (SS), can transfer signals at up to 5 Gbit/s with nominal data rate of 500 MB/s after encoding overhead, which is about 10 times faster than High-Speed. USB 3.0 Type-A and B connectors are usually blue, to distinguish them from USB 2.0 connectors, as recommended by the specification. and by the initials SS.

Mobile High-Definition Link (MHL) is an industry standard for a mobile audio/video interface that allows the connection of smartphones, tablets, and other portable consumer electronics devices to high-definition televisions (HDTVs), audio receivers, and projectors. The standard was designed to share existing mobile device connectors, such as Micro-USB, and avoid the need to add video connectors on devices with limited space for them.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Dock connector</span> Bus and power connector in laptops and mobile devices

A dock connector is an electrical connector used to attach a mobile device simultaneously to multiple external resources. The dock connector will typically carry a variety of signals and power, through a single connector, to simplify the process of docking the device. A dock connector may be embedded in a mechanical fixture used to support or align the mobile device or may be at the end of a cable.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">FastPort</span>

The FastPort was a proprietary polyconnection interface used on all Sony Ericsson cellphones between 2005 and 2010. Designed in response to Nokia's proprietary Pop-Port, FastPort provided data transfer, charging, headset and speaker connections through a common interface. It was discontinued in 2010 and replaced with a micro-USB for charging and data, and a TRRS connection for audio (headphones).

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Common external power supply</span>

The common external power supply was a European Commission (EC) specification for a universal charger for smartphones sold within the European Union. The specification included the use of a USB Micro-B connector and adherence to the USB Battery Charging Specification.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Lightning (connector)</span> Proprietary computer bus and power connector by Apple Inc.

Lightning is a proprietary computer bus and power connector, created and designed by Apple Inc. It was introduced on September 12, 2012, in conjunction with the iPhone 5, to replace its predecessor, the 30-pin dock connector. The Lightning connector is used to connect Apple mobile devices like iPhones, iPads, and iPods to host computers, external monitors, cameras, USB battery chargers, and other peripherals. Using 8 pins instead of 30, Lightning is much smaller than its predecessor. The Lightning connector is reversible. The plug is indented on each side to match up with corresponding points inside the receptacle to retain the connection.

IEC Technical Specification 62700: DC Power supply for notebook computer is an IEC specification of a common standard for external laptop computer AC adapters. Laptops and AC adapters following this standard will have interchangeable power supplies, which will enable easy reuse of used power supplies and make buying a new compatible power supply for a laptop simpler.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">USB-C</span> 24-pin USB connector system

USB-C, or USB Type-C, is a 24-pin connector that supersedes previous USB connectors and can carry audio, video and other data, e.g., to drive multiple displays or to store a backup to an external drive. It can also provide and receive power, such as powering a laptop or a mobile phone. It is applied not only by USB technology, but also by other protocols, including Thunderbolt, PCIe, HDMI, DisplayPort, and others. It is extensible to support future standards.

The initial versions of the USB standard specified connectors that were easy to use and that would have acceptable life spans; revisions of the standard added smaller connectors useful for compact portable devices. Higher-speed development of the USB standard gave rise to another family of connectors to permit additional data paths. All versions of USB specify cable properties; version 3.x cables include additional data paths. The USB standard included power supply to peripheral devices; modern versions of the standard extend the power delivery limits for battery charging and devices requiring up to 240 watts. USB has been selected as the standard charging format for many mobile phones, reducing the proliferation of proprietary chargers.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Type 3 connector</span> Electric vehicle charging connector in Europe

The IEC 62196 Type 3 connector is used for charging battery electric vehicles, mainly within France and Italy, as it was one of three AC plug standards described in IEC 62196-2. The Type 3 connector comes in two physical formats, Type 3A for single-phase (230V) and Type 3C for single- and three-phase (400V) alternating current (AC) power. Both have since been superseded by the Type 2 connector, the latter adopted as sole connector in 2013 by the European Union. The Type 1 connector is the corresponding AC connector standard used in North America, Japan, and South Korea.

References

  1. ↑ "Harmonisation of a charging capability of common charger for mobile phones – frequently asked questions" (Press release). European Commission. 29 June 2009. Retrieved 26 August 2010.
  2. ↑ Abdul, Geneva (17 January 2020). "A Common Charger for All Phones? The E.U. Is on the Case". The New York Times. Retrieved 4 March 2023.
  3. ↑ "Long-awaited common charger for mobile devices will be a reality in 2024". www.europarl.europa.eu. 10 April 2022. Retrieved 4 March 2023.
  4. ↑ "Standard on I/O Connection Interface of Digital Cellular Phone" TTAS.KO-06.0028 released in March 2001. Later updated in 2002 (/R2), and in 2007 (/R4)
  5. ↑ Related test and certification standards published (TTAS.KO-06.0029 and TTAS.KO-06.0030).
  6. ↑ Standard on Integrated I/O Connection Interface for Mobile Phone, Korean Telecommunications Technology Association (TTA), 8 November 2001
  7. ↑ (2007 revision = TTAS.KO-06.0028/R3)
  8. ↑ TTA certifies first 20-pin battery charger for mobiles, Telecompaper.com, 25 July 2008
  9. ↑ "Technical Requirements and Test Method of Charger and Interface for Mobile Telecommunication Terminal Equipment" (CCSA YD/T 1591–2006, later updated to YD/T 1591–2009)
  10. ↑ "How to conform to China's new mobile phone interface standards". EETimes.com. 22 October 2007. Retrieved 21 February 2011.
  11. ↑ "YD 1591–2009 移动通信终端电源适配器及充电/数据接口技术要求和测试方法 ((introduction to) Mobile Communication Terminal Adapter and Charging / Data interface Technical Requirements and Test Methods)". China Communications Standards Association (CCSA.org.cn). 4 August 2010. Retrieved 5 April 2011.
  12. ↑ "MOBILE INDUSTRY UNITES TO DRIVE UNIVERSAL CHARGING SOLUTION FOR MOBILE PHONES". Archived from the original on 15 December 2014. Retrieved 15 December 2014.
  13. ↑ OMTP: common charging and local data connectivity V1.0, 11 February 2009 (Final revision V1.1 published in 2010)
  14. ↑ "Partners". 2011. Archived from the original on 24 August 2011. Retrieved 10 April 2011.
  15. ↑ "Press Release: CTIA–The Wireless Association® Announces One Universal Charger Solution to Celebrate Earth Day". ctia.org. 22 April 2009. Archived from the original on 14 December 2010. Retrieved 21 January 2011.
  16. ↑ "Press Release: Universal phone charger standard approved — One-size-fits-all solution will dramatically cut waste and GHG emissions". Itu.int. 22 October 2009. Retrieved 4 November 2009.
  17. ↑ "Universal power adapter and charger solution for mobile terminals and other hand-held ICT devices". International Telecommunication Union. 13 June 2011. Retrieved 23 March 2013.
  18. ↑ "USB Power Delivery". usb.org. 2012. Retrieved 25 February 2013.
  19. ↑ "USB 3.0 Promoter Group Announces USB Type-C Connector Ready for Production" (PDF). usb.org. 12 August 2014. Archived from the original (PDF) on 4 March 2016. Retrieved 14 August 2014.
  20. ↑ "New USB Type-C connector is smaller, reversible, supports USB 3.1". arstechnica.com. 4 December 2013. Retrieved 28 December 2013.
  21. ↑ "Next Generation USB Connection Definition Underway" (PDF). usb.org. 3 December 2013. Archived from the original (PDF) on 8 December 2013. Retrieved 28 December 2013.
  22. ↑ "The New USB Type-C Connector: A Practical Guide To The Next Generation Of Data And Power Ports". 14 April 2015. Retrieved 25 November 2015.
  23. ↑ "Major milestone: single charger for notebook computers will significantly reduce e-waste". IEC. Archived from the original on 24 December 2013.
  24. ↑ "IEC presses for single charger specification for notebook computers". EDN Europe. 18 December 2013.
  25. ↑ "IEEE Project P1823 – Standard for a universal power adapter for mobile devices". ieee.org. Retrieved 25 February 2013.
  26. ↑ IEEE Standard for Universal Power Adapter for Mobile Devices. doi:10.1109/IEEESTD.2015.7106444. ISBN   978-0-7381-9608-4.
  27. ↑ "Status for Universal Power Adapter for Mobile Devices (2019)".
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