USB Power Delivery Dual Role Power & Data Loop Back Tester (GRL-V-DPWR)

GRL USB Power Delivery (PD) Dual Role Power (DRP) & Data Loop Back Tester (GRL-V-DPWR) is designed to help test engineers meet demanding test requirements for USB Type-C® and USB Power Delivery (USB PD) hosts and devices. The solution’s test port supports loading and sourcing of a single 100W USB-C port, enabled by strong thermal airflow that enables continuous testing for longer periods of time. 

Testing can be complete in less than a few seconds through a singular setup, with an open API interface facilitating the use of the test engineers’ preferred software (C#, NI TestStand, Python, etc.). With an intuitive design and reliable performance within a wide range of environmental chambers, the GRL-V-DPWR can be counted upon for high volume production.

Key Features

• Supports the following specifications:
   
  • USB PD 2.0 & PD 3.1 Programmable Power Supply (PPS) negotiation
  • USB 2.0 and USB 3.2 data loopback testing
  • Up to 100W of power loading and sourcing
  • Up to 7.5W per port for VCONN power loading 
  • IR drop compensation through VBUS voltage sense line within the GRL Tester cable offers
    
    
• Hardware support for:
   
  • Both USB Type-C and Type-A ports
  • Enables V-TE-PWR as a cable by configuring for 3A and 5A capabilities so that negotiation can be done up to 100W without dependency on EMCA cables
  • AC and battery power for portability
  • Conducts cable flip tests automatically
  • Ethernet control from external PC or network
  • Effortlessly fasten test cables to test cards with screw-based connectors that prevent damage to the tester during continuous use

• Report generation and data overview
   
  • View all traces, OCP events, and configurable pass/fail criterion in real-time on host PC
  • Detailed test execution steps and report
  • Detailed test execution results exportable in HTML, CSV, and PDF report formats
  • All results saved in a database for ease of retrieval
    
    
• User-friendly interface
   
  • Front panel led indication
  • Intuitive Graphical User Interface (GUI)
  • Hardware control via customer’s existing software through open API: (C#, NI Test Stand, Python, etc.)

Explore our range of accessories designed to streamline the testing of cables of different lengths:

• GRL-V-STC-50 - GRL Tester cable with VBUS sense wire - 50cm
• GRL-V-STC-100 -  GRL Tester cable with VBUS sense wire - 100 cm
• GRL-V-STC-300 -  GRL Tester cable with VBUS sense wire - 300 cm

Download the GRL-V-DPWR software and user manual, or request a personalized demo to witness how the solution can be tested on your product prototypes.

USB Power Delivery and its relation with USB Type-C

USB PD has been the de-facto fast charging standard for USB-powered gadgets since its release in 2012. Replacing the preceding USB Battery Charging specification, USB PD supports a significantly higher power level of up to 240W, and is now commonly used to fast-charge smartphones, laptops, and other gadgets. 

To enable optimal charging, the newer USB Power Delivery Programmable Power Supply (USB PD PPS) standard supports configurable voltages. However, should two devices fail to communicate a suitable power rule, USB Power Delivery will default to the next power option supported by the relevant USB protocol, such as USB-C 1.5A.

Though the first revision of USB PD was compatible with standard USB Type-A ports in principle, few devices actually supported this functionality. Instead, manufacturers of USB PD devices went with the option of using USB Type-C or USB-C on both ends. For that reason, most smartphones these days come packaged with USB-C to USB-C cables. Type-A to USB-C cables can also be used, albeit at slower charging speeds.

USB Type-C mandate in the European Union (EU)

The EU mandate for mobile phones, tablets, and cameras sold within the region to be equipped with USB Type-C charging ports kicked into effect in 2023, and requires all manufactures to comply by the end of 2024. This mandate will extend to include laptops by spring 2026. This change presents a challenge for manufacturers, who have to swiftly navigate their way through new regulations while simultaneously working to prevent performance issues such as:

• Abnormal signal transmission when connected to displays
• Overheating due to poor cable quality
• Charging inconsistencies