USB Implementers Forum (USB-IF) has announced the launch of the USB-IF Conformity to IEC 62680 (USB) Specifications Program, aimed at helping Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs) and Original Device Manufacturers (ODMs) meet the European Union’s (EU) Common Charger Directive requirements.
This directive, approved in 2022, mandates standardized charging technology for portable battery-powered devices and laptops in the EU, effective January 1, 2025, for portable devices, and in 2026 for laptops.
Key Areas Addressed
The USB-IF Conformity to IEC 62680 (USB) Specifications Program focuses on critical aspects of the EU directive:
- Portable Battery-Powered Devices: Ensures devices comply with required charging standards.
- USB Type-C Components: Covers USB Type-C receptacles, cables, and connectors.
- External Power Supplies (EPS): Verifies compliance with power requirements.
- USB Power Delivery (USB PD) Protocol: Targets devices advertising over 15 Watts of power.
Simplified Compliance Process
This program streamlines the compliance process for OEMs and ODMs. Manufacturers can have their USB Type-C products tested by USB-IF authorized independent test labs (ITLs), and successful testing results in documentation that proves conformity to the IEC 62680 (USB) specifications for EU submission.
Key steps include:
- Registration and Testing: OEMs register products and submit test results through ITLs.
- Defined Testing Requirements: A minimum set of tests demonstrates baseline conformity.
- Review and Approval: USB-IF reviews test submissions and provides official approval.
- Tracking and Identification: A Vendor ID (VID) and Test ID (TID) are used for tracking.
Ensuring Regulatory Compliance
Abdul Ismail, USB-IF Chief Technology Officer and Chairman of the Board, emphasized that the program ensures products meet EU requirements through thorough testing, enabling manufacturers to confidently demonstrate compliance.
Distinction from USB-IF Compliance Program
The USB-IF Conformity to IEC 62680 program differs from the broader USB-IF Compliance Program, which offers more extensive testing for data performance, reliability, and interoperability. Products passing full certification can use the Certified USB Logo, a trusted symbol for consumers.
USB-IF President and Chief Operating Officer Jeff Ravencraft noted that while the program doesn’t fully certify USB technologies, it provides a formal pathway for OEMs and ODMs to quickly test products, helping the industry meet conformity standards and maintain EU market access.
Speaking about the program, USB-IF President and Chief Operating Officer Jeff Ravencraft said,
The USB-IF has enjoyed a longstanding relationship with IEC. We contributed the core USB specifications to IEC, which became the IEC 62680 series. The EU mandate addresses only part of the USB specifications.
As the organization responsible for developing and overseeing USB specifications and testing, the USB-IF’s new program assists OEMs and ODMs in demonstrating conformity with the EU’s common charger directive.