The International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) and the USB Implementers Forum (USB-IF) announce a collaboration in the data delivery and device charging capabilities of current USB specifications.
The announcement covers USB Power Delivery (Rev. 2.0, v1.0), USB 3.1 (SuperSpeed USB 10Gbps), and USB Type-C Cable and connector specifications.
Of particular interest is the enhanced Power Delivery specification. It increases power levels to up to 100W, adds bi-directional power capabilities (allows either host or device to either provide or consume power), optimises power management across multiple peripherals and provides "intelligent and flexible" power management, all over a single cable.
Such capabilities are to make part of the USB 3.1 standard within the new USB Type-C connector and cable.
The above comes within three USB-IF specifications submitted to the IEC, and are in consideration for inclusion in the IEC 62680 series standard, "Universal Serial Bus interface for data and power."
“Adoption of USB Power Delivery, USB 3.1, and USB Type-C is growing fast and we are working closely with IEC to promote the benefits of these USB specifications to enable the goal of a common external power supply for electronic devices,” the USB-IF says.
Products supporting the updated specifications should hit the market in 2015.
