Charging Ahead with Safety: Information Communication Technology (ICT) Power Cables

摘要

This paper will look at information communication technology (ICT) cables that provide operating and/or charging power to peripheral and accessory devices such as phones, tablets, keyboards, disk drives, displays and the like. Applicable specifications such as those related to USB power delivery and battery charging are introduced. The cable's role in dealing with the complexities of delivering high power (now up to 100 watts) to devices safely using mechanical variations and electronic markers are also explored. The focus of this paper is on the safety issues associated with the powering and charging of electronic devices using ICT cables and the mitigation of these issues. In addition, the darker side of ICT power cables is discussed; how false claims, inferior products, "cheater cables" and counterfeiting have the potential to damage connected devices with potentially disastrous results.