USB 3.1 Type C Power Delivery | Explained & FSP Adapter Picks

USB 3.1 Type C Power Delivery (PD) is a key standard enabling fast, flexible charging and high-speed data transfer over a single USB-C connector. In this guide, we break down what it means for your products—and which FSP adapters best meet industry-grade demands.

Overviews

What is USB 3.1 Type C Power Delivery?

USB 3.1 Type C Power Delivery is a protocol designed to transfer both high-speed data (up to 10Gbps) and power (up to 100W) through a single USB-C connector. It uses improved 128b/132b encoding, reducing data loss and optimizing bandwidth. This enables faster charging, seamless data sync, and better energy efficiency across industrial, commercial, and consumer devices.

USB Standards vs. USB Connectors: What's the Difference?

USB 3.1 Type C Power Delivery merges two distinct components: the USB protocol version (e.g., USB 3.1, 3.2) and the physical connector type (e.g., Type‑C). USB Type‑C is the port design—small, reversible, and capable of carrying power, data, and video. In contrast, USB 3.1 defines the data transmission and power delivery capabilities, such as 10Gbps transfer speeds and 100W power output. These naming and compliance standards are maintained by the USB Implementers Forum (USB‑IF), which ensures that products meet interoperability and backward compatibility requirements.

USB 3.1 Speed vs USB 3.0 and USB 3.2: Which Standard Matters Most?

Among the latest USB standards, USB 3.1 Type C Power Delivery stands out for offering the most practical mix of USB 3.1 speed, interface compatibility, and global adoption. While USB 3.0 provides 5Gbps and USB 3.2 pushes up to 20Gbps in more advanced setups, USB 3.1's 10Gbps transfer rate hits the ideal balance between performance and deployment cost—especially for OEMs, industrial engineers, and device makers targeting wide adoption.

More importantly, USB 3.1 was the first to natively integrate USB Type-C and Power Delivery, simplifying hardware design and enhancing system efficiency. As a result, it has become the dominant protocol for high-efficiency charging, data transfer, and peripheral connectivity.

Use the following table to compare key version specs:

What is USB Type-C and Why It Matters

USB Type-C is the physical connector interface used in USB 3.1 Type C Power Delivery. Designed to be universal, it supports data, video, and scalable power up to 240W—all through a single port. Compared to older USB-A or B designs, Type-C simplifies cable management and supports thinner, more compact device profiles.

With the EU mandating USB-C as the standard charging port by 2024, global adoption is accelerating. For system engineers and product developers, this shift enables easier design compatibility and streamlined logistics.

FSP Power Solution provides certified, industrial-grade USB 3.1 Type C Power Delivery modules and adapters—ideal for automation, power tools, and medical electronics. Reach out to our team to discuss your integration needs.

Recommendation: FSP USB 3.1 Type C Power Delivery Adapters and Chargers

FSP's USB 3.1 Type C Power Delivery adapters and chargers comply with international safety standards and deliver stable, efficient performance. Designed for use in industrial control, automation systems, and electric mobility applications, these power supplies ensure reliable integration across global markets.

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