Making Your Own Top-Tier USB-C PD Cable for Quicker Charging
The Most Reliable DIY Option for USB-C Cables
Fed up with commercial USB-C cables that either hide their safe wattage or flat-out lie about it? Well, [GreatScott!] decided to take matters into his own hands and DIY his own ultimate USB-C-PD cable for faster charging. Check out the video embedded below to learn more!
This DIY project is pretty straightforward and relies on off-the-shelf parts available on Aliexpress: the silicone-insulated cable, USB-C plugs, and end shells. By investing in quality components and adding an identifying chip to the USB-C plug, users will end up with a cable that's more reliable than your average Aliexpress cable. And with [GreatScott!]'s DIY, you can trust that it can manage the 240W it's designed for, unlike those questionable cables from the web. Plus, it should also work well with USB PPS, a feature [GreatScott!] has previously brought to our attention. While [GreatScott!] focused on power cables, he did connect the low-speed data lines, ensuring a reliable USB2.0 connection.
It's no secret that there's been a fair share of disappointment when it comes to USB gear, but the problem nowadays seems to be with data cables. Maybe it's time for DIY data cable projects to make a comeback. (Anyone else remember those DB-25 days?) USB-C has its fair share of complications when it comes to data modes, but we've got a handy explainer to help you out.
Building Your USB-C Cable: Key Considerations
To create your own top-notch USB-C PD cable, keep the following tips in mind:
- Choose good quality USB-C connectors and cable: Select connectors with the highest current and voltage capabilities (up to 5A and 20V for 100W charging) and use cables with an appropriate wire gauge to ensure safe handling of high power.
- Add a USB-C PD chip or trigger module: Integrate a PD controller chip or simple PD trigger module that facilitates communication between your charger and device, allowing for optimal power delivery up to 100W or more.
- Ensure proper wiring and pin configuration: Properly wire the USB-C cable as per the USB-C specification to guarantee correct detection and negotiation of power levels.
- Use e-marked cable, if necessary: Use e-marked cables for power levels above 60W, ensuring communication between cable and charger about cable capabilities.
- Test with compatible USB-C PD charger and device: Verify that the constructed cable delivers the desired wattage and supports fast charging with PD-enabled chargers and devices.
Nowadays, it seems data cables are the ones you can't trust. Maybe it's time to embrace the fun and maybe a bit more work involved with DIY data cable projects. USB-C's versatile data and power capabilities make it a standard connected to countless applications beyond simple USB data transfer.
[1] "DIY 200W USB-PD Cable - Data, CC, Power + E-Marking (Aliexpress)" [YouTube video], Great Scott!, accessed on August 1, 2023, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xsKQWjunNq4[2] "Ultra-Fast USB 3.2 running at 10 Gbps demonstration" [YouTube video], Jamie Lin, accessed on August 1, 2023, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7OkYsL-_EQE[3] "USB-C Cable Laid Out" [YouTube video], Beyond the Manual, accessed on August 1, 2023, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8pQSpBTUMH4[4] "USB 3.2 Generation 1 vs USB 3.1 Gen 1 Data Speed" [YouTube video], Tech Quickie, accessed on August 1, 2023, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=v0rbvGQxzqA[5] "USB Type-C - Versatile Compatibility and Connectivity" [article] USB Implementers Forum, accessed on August 1, 2023, https://www.usb.org/usb-3-1-promoter-group/usb-type-c-versatile-compatibility-and-connectivity[6] "Power Delivery Over USB Type-C" [article] USB Implementers Forum, accessed on August 1, 2023, https://www.usb.org/pd[7] "USB Power Delivery Specification" [article] USB Implementers Forum, accessed on August 1, 2023, https://www.usb.org/pd_specification[8] "USB Type-C Cable Specification, Revision 2.0" [article] USB Implementers Forum, accessed on August 1, 2023, https://www.usb.org/sites/default/files/files/202305_USB_Type-C_Cables_Rev_2_Errata_v2-0.pdf
To create your own high-quality DIY USB-C PD cable, consider selecting top-notch USB-C connectors and cable with a high current and voltage capability. Moreover, integrate a USB-C PD chip or trigger module to facilitate optimal power delivery, and ensure proper wiring and pin configuration to guarantee correct power level detection and negotiation.
