USB-C Charging Compatibility
Comments discuss the complexities of USB-C power delivery, including negotiation protocols, cable capabilities for different wattages, and compatibility issues between chargers, cables, and devices that prevent simple plug-and-play charging.
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Doesn't work for all the higher-power USB-C charging options that require negotiation before the higher voltage turns on.
Cheap cables may not implement the detection properly. Device says I want 100W, charger says I can give 100W, dumb cable just sits there letting them talk and doesn't say no.
They're not interchangeable. USB-C has power negotiation, but that doesn't mean the devices support those voltages. You still need to understand the voltage ratings on both ends of a cable.
USB-C cables that support high current (> 3A) have a chip inside that communicates with the power source to let it know it can carry high current. Only then does the source advertise the higher power profiles to the consumer.
Not all USB-C cables support PD!And not all PD-capable cables support every range or combination of voltages and wattages.
That's already a problem with USB-C: try to charge a laptop with a small phone charger: if it doesn't provide enough power, it won't charge. Because it fits doesn't mean that it works.
Could use a power-only cable? Or are they no longer a thing with usb-c and PD handshakes?
Must be a proprietary thing as USB-C using USB-PD maxes out at 100W.
Why ? You have the same plug but it's not actually compatible - this to me is a good example of confusion - I would be the first to assume you can charge it with whatever USB-C power cable available and not bother checking the docs.
Generally it has to be usb-pd and 45W or more in my experience.