USB-PD - any diagnostics/monitoring possible with software (Win)?

[Johnny_G]

Hello.

I wonder, if somehow I can monitor USB-PD port on my computer (Win).
I would like to know what Voltage/Amp the unit has negotiated with the power supply.
I also would like to see, if the Voltage fluctuates with high power demand.

Background is, that I have power-related CPU/GPU-throttles, and I would like to see what the USB-PD Power supply does...

 

[Valantar]

The easiest way to monitor this would likely be to get one of those cheap USB-C power meters and connect it in line with your charger. Some of them might even do logging, though not the most basic ones.

 

[Bill_Bright]

We don't know if it is USB-C port. Could be type A or even something else.

I recommend getting a USB port tester that supports a full variety of USB port types.

 

[Valantar]

We don't know if it is USB-C port. Could be type A or even something else.

I recommend getting a USB port tester that supports a full variety of USB port types.

USB-PD for charging computers (as the OP said) is only used over USB-C. Have you ever seen a laptop or other PC have its power provided by a USB-A port?

 

[Bill_Bright]

USB-PD for charging computers (as the OP said) is only used over USB-C.

Okay. My bad. I should have done more homework first. I knew USB-PD was developed with USB 3.1 and USB-C, but I also thought the new USB power delivery standards also included protocols for a lower capacity power delivery through standard USB ports for charging phones, etc. when the laptop is off. My laptop does indeed do this and it is not a Type C connector. But no way does it support up to 100W. Sorry if I caused any confusion.

 

[Johnny_G]

Okay. My bad. I should have done more homework first. I knew USB-PD was developed with USB 3.1 and USB-C, but I also thought the new USB power delivery standards also included protocols for a lower capacity power delivery through standard USB ports for charging phones, etc. when the laptop is off. My laptop does indeed do this and it is not a Type C connector. But no way does it support up to 100W. Sorry if I caused any confusion.

It is USB-C. Yes.

I recommend getting a USB port tester that supports a full variety of USB port types.

Will do. At the same time I am hoping to find some kind of software, because I would like to know what the hardware senses/gets... Any suggestions.

 

[Valantar]

It is USB-C. Yes.


Will do. At the same time I am hoping to find some kind of software, because I would like to know what the hardware senses/gets... Any suggestions.

If there is such data, something like HWInfo64 should be able to find it. I would assume it would be under the battery data. On my Dell Latitude there's an AC Adapter Rating listing (located under a specific Dell system sensor) which shows the negotiated output wattage (and it changes dynamically if renegotiated), as well as a charge rate in watts under the battery listing. It's a pure lottery whether or not your laptop has these sensors exposed though.

 

[sneekypeet]

because I would like to know what the hardware senses/gets... Any suggestions.

The USB tester will show what is coming through the line. It would seem to me you would need software on/for the device being charged, as PC software would not sense both ends.

 

[Johnny_G]

If there is such data, something like HWInfo64 should be able to find it. I would assume it would be under the battery data. On my Dell Latitude there's an AC Adapter Rating listing (located under a specific Dell system sensor) which shows the negotiated output wattage (and it changes dynamically if renegotiated), as well as a charge rate in watts under the battery listing. It's a pure lottery whether or not your laptop has these sensors exposed though.

Good suggestion. there was however nothing to find on my machine. Found Battery values, but no power supply voltages. Did did trough USB also, would assume, PD-connection should show, but it didn't... Hard to tell, because USB-C-ports are Thunderbolt ports. Maybe they are not even listed as USB. Could not find Thunderbolt-stuff in HWInfo however...

The USB tester will show what is coming through the line. It would seem to me you would need software on/for the device being charged, as PC software would not sense both ends.

Yeah. The PC software would not show both ends. But since in my scenario I am specifically interested in the values coming in to the PC, I would think getting such software, or any means to read what the PD-port currently does (receives and negotiated) would be helpful...