Why can't chargers be universal? Reveal the reasons behind it

Chargers are gadgets that we cannot live without in our daily lives, but have you ever wondered: Why can't chargers for mobile phones, tablets, and laptops be universal? Why can't chargers of different brands be mixed? Today, we will uncover the secrets of chargers not being universal and understand the technical principles and practical reasons behind it.

1. Different interfaces: limitations of physical design

The universality of the charger is first limited by the interface type. Different devices use different charging interfaces:

• Apple devices: use the Lightning interface (iPhone 15 series has switched to USB-C).
• Android devices: The mainstream is the USB-C interface, but some devices still use Micro-USB.
• Laptops: Some use USB-C, but some brands use dedicated interfaces (such as round or square interfaces)

The shapes, sizes and internal structures of these interfaces are different, which makes them incompatible with each other. Even if the interface is the same, it may not be universal because of the different internal pin designs.

2. Power requirements: differences in voltage and current

Different devices have very different requirements for charging power:

• Mobile phones: usually require a charging power of 5V/2A (10W).
• Tablets: may require 9V/2A (18W) or higher.
• Laptops: often require 20V/3A (60W) or even higher.

If a low-power charger is used to charge a high-power device, it may result in extremely slow charging or even failure to charge; and if a high-power charger is used to charge a low-power device, the device may be damaged due to excessive voltage or current.

3. Fast charging protocol: brand technology barrier

Modern electronic devices generally support fast charging technology, but the fast charging protocols of different brands are not compatible
These fast charging technologies require specific chargers and devices to achieve efficient charging. If an incompatible charger is used, the device may default to charging at normal speed or even refuse to charge.

4. Safety issues: Limitations of protection mechanisms

Chargers are usually designed with protection circuits to prevent overvoltage, overcurrent or short circuits. If an incompatible charger is used, the protection mechanism may be triggered, resulting in a failure to charge. In addition, inferior or non-original chargers may pose safety hazards, such as heating, fire or even explosion.

5. Business strategy: the game between brands and patents

The universality of chargers is also affected by business strategies:

• Brand stickiness: Through exclusive chargers and interfaces, brands can enhance user stickiness and gain additional profits through accessory sales.
• Patent protection: Some charging technologies are protected by patents and cannot be used directly by other brands, which also limits the universality of chargers.
  

There are many reasons why chargers cannot be universal, including interface design, power requirements, fast charging protocols, safety mechanisms, and business strategies. Although the popularity of USB-C brings hope, before it is fully universal, we still need to choose the right charger according to the needs of the device. In order to protect the safety of the device and extend its service life, it is recommended to use original or certified chargers first.