Peak power
Some electrical appliances (in particular, units with electric motors - refrigerators, air conditioners, etc.) consume significantly more energy at startup than after reaching the operating mode. For such a load, the peak power of the charging station must be taken into account - its indicator must be higher than the starting power of the load.
USB A
Full-size USB A connectors are popular in computer technology, they are standardly used in adapter chargers for 230 V household networks and 12 V auto sockets. In charging stations, such outlets are widely used for charging gadgets.
- The total number of such ports can be very diverse (
1 USB,
2 connectors,
3 ports and even
4), since it allows you to connect for charging, and in some cases for power, various low-power devices -
smartphones,
tablets,
power banks,
lamps, etc. .
- The strength of the power. The maximum power output through the USB A connector to the device being charged. Note that different ports of the charging station can output different power (for example, 1.5 A and 2.1 A). In this case, the highest power strength is usually indicated.
— Power. The maximum
output power in watts (W) that the charging station is capable of delivering through the USB A connector to one charging device.
USB A (quick charge)
Full size
USB A ports with fast charging support. It allows you to charge your smartphone, tablet or other connected device much faster. The charging process takes place at increased power, and the current and voltage at each stage are regulated in such a way as to remain within the optimal values. However, it should be borne in mind that in our time there are many fast charging technologies and not all of them are compatible with each other.
- The strength of the current. The parameters of the current issued through the USB A fast charging connectors. Note that different voltage and current parameters can be output to different ports of the charging station. This item specifies the current values at a certain voltage (for example, 5 V / 3 A, 9 V / 2 A, 12 V / 1.5 A).
— Power. The maximum power in watts (W) that the charging station is capable of delivering through the USB A fast charging connector to one charging device. High output power allows you to speed up the charging process. However, the appropriate power must be supported by the device being charged - otherwise the speed of the process will be limited by the characteristics of the gadget.
USB type C
USB type C ports are smaller than classic USBs, and they also have a convenient reversible design that allows you to connect the plug in either direction.
USB type C was originally designed to be able to implement various advanced features: increased power supply, fast charging technologies, etc.
Since the port is relatively new and quite powerful (there are
USB type C with a power of 60 W and even
100 W), the total number of such connectors is often limited to
1 port, less often
two).
- The strength of the power. The maximum power output through the USB type C connector to a charging device. Note that different ports of the charging station can output different power (for example, 1.5 A and 2.1 A). In this case, the highest power strength is usually indicated.
— Power. The maximum power in watts (W) that the charging station is capable of delivering to one rechargeable gadget. The high output power of the USB type C port allows you to speed up the charging process. However, the appropriate power must be supported by the device being charged - otherwise the speed of the process will be limited by the characteristics of the gadget.
Wireless charger
In wireless charging mode, energy is transferred to the gadget being charged through an inductive surface, which is usually built into the upper plane of the charging station case. There can be one slot for
wireless charging or several of them are provided. The range of this technology does not exceed a few centimeters. However, this method of charging eliminates the fuss with wires and reduces wear on the connectors. One of the key disadvantages of this format is considered to be low power and, accordingly, slow charging speed.
DC output
The presence of a DC connector (or several such outputs) in the device to power external gadgets with direct current. The standard DC jack is round and has a pin in the center. However, its dimensions may differ in depth and diameter. The voltage output to the
DC output may be different. The most popular options are 18 - 20 V for powering laptops, 12 V for various specialized devices and automotive electrical accessories.
From solar panels
The ability to charge the device from solar panels ensures the energy independence of a portable power plant. Models with this function can work completely autonomously and do not depend on outlets.
Charging from the panels is implemented in the corresponding devices with portable solar panels and charging stations, which are structurally provided with specialized connectors for receiving power from stationary solar panels, and there is also a built-in MPPT charge controller (Maximum Power Point Tracking).
DC input
DC connector for a distinctive round plug (like those used in many laptops) used to recharge the battery of the device. Note that
DC- in plugs may have different sizes, and chargers with such plugs may have different operating voltages. In practice, this leads to the fact that finding a suitable charger for a portable station is not easy, you need to be especially careful when searching.
Battery capacity
Nominal
battery capacity, in fact - the amount of energy that is supposed to be stored. The larger it is, the longer the battery life of the charging station will be, all other things being equal. On the other hand, this parameter also affects the dimensions, weight and price of the battery, despite the fact that an energy-intensive battery is not always required. By the indicator of capacity in watt-hours, you can compare batteries with each other.