RoadTest: InnoSwitch 3-Pro GaN Controllable USB Power Supply
Author: tbriceno
Creation date:
Evaluation Type: Connectors & Cable
Did you receive all parts the manufacturer stated would be included in the package?: True
What other parts do you consider comparable to this product?: Anker Nano II 65W USB-C charger
What were the biggest problems encountered?: Provided accessories had fit tolerances that were too tight and made it difficult to plug-in without damaging the board.
Detailed Review:
When I saw this product come up in the RoadTest list, I got excited. Not so much because it is designed as a mobile device charger, but for potential of using it in some of my planned projects that may need varying power. I was blown away by the amount of information provided in the datasheets and it made me want to test it out even more. I planned to replicate many of the test in my lab to see if it held up the same.
Unfortunately for me and this review, I didn't count my days correctly and didn't have enough time after my semester ended to do the in-depth testing I wanted. But, I was able to verify if it met it's basic operating parameters. I didn't have access to a phone or tablet that had USB PPS standards, but I tried them anyway. My OnePlus 6T McLaren uses OPPO SuperVOOC technology for WarpCharge which will charge with 5V at 6A for 30W. This charger doesn't support that, but it did provide the max 3A on the 5V charge so I was able to charge the phone at a comparable rate to other chargers and could provide a full charge to the phone in about 90mins.
After that, I decided to get creative. My work laptop is a Dell that support USB-C charging. Unfortunately, Dell has a flaw in many of their laptops and doesn't like to charge well via the USB-C, this device was no different. But, my lab just got new laptops for all the workstations that utilize a 65W USB-C charger. I wasn't able to check whether it was using PPS or the 20V setting due to time constraints, but it worked and charged the laptop at the same rate as the factory charger. I'm confident that it was able to supply the full 60W power that is advertised.
At the very last minute I was able to find a co-worker that had a device that supported PPS and tried it of this charger. I was pleased to see that the Motorola Moto G Power was able to recognize the charger and indicated that it was 'Turbo charging' as well. My co-worker delightfully remarked "You gonna leave that out for me so I can charge my phone?" because his wasn't up to the task.
As far as performance of the charging, I am pleased with my limited testing. I do see one potential flaw in it's mechanical design though. They have designed a very neat little package, but the high voltage isolation cut out has created weak spot in the board. I nearly broke the board the first time I tried to plug in the power cord. I'm positive that the board will fatigue with time and crack. It may remain functional after this, or it could cause a g-shock to nearby SMT components that creates micro-cracks in the solder and leads to failures. I think a hardwired connection with a stress relief connector would extend the life of the device indefinitely. You can see the flex in the attached picture.
I will be keeping this technology in mind for future projects.
