Framework is set to unveil its upcoming Framework Laptop 16 with a 180W USB-C PD 3.1 charger developed in partnership with Chicony. The charger is twice the size of its 60W power adapter but provides three times the juice, making it the first of its kind. Framework anticipates that third-party brands will launch 240W USB PD chargers soon.
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USB-C is now capable of providing 240 watts of power, which is enough for most gaming notebooks. However, while the cables were introduced last year, the actual devices have been 100 watts short. Currently, the 16-inch MacBook Pro and its compatible chargers have a maximum wattage of 140W per port. Framework is taking us to 180 watts with the upcoming Framework Laptop 16. The CEO expects 240-watt chargers to arrive soon.
The new Framework Laptop 16 comes with a 180W USB-C PD 3.1 charger developed in partnership with Chicony. The charger is twice the size of its 60W power adapter but provides three times the juice. The two-meter USB-C cable is still detachable despite the increased wattage.
It is important to note that the Framework Laptop 16 is not a 180W laptop. At maximum performance, with a detachable discrete GPU module installed, it draws power from the battery and the 180W wall adapter. To avoid this, one of the 240W USB PD chargers is required.
Framework CEO Nirav Patel said that they have not seen any other 180W or 240W USB-PD 3.1 power adapters announced yet, but they anticipate that peripheral brands will launch these soon. The company uses Weltrend WT6676F, ON Semi NCP1622, and JoulWatt JW1556 controllers, as well as GaN switching parts from both GaN Systems and Navitas, to achieve peak efficiency of up to 93% for this 180W adapter. The parts and Chicony’s assistance as a power supply manufacturer are available for other companies to use as well.
Framework’s Laptop 16 is not only pushing the boundaries of USB-C PD technology; it is also bringing back snap-on removable extended batteries, modular keyboard deck parts, and detachable GPU modules. While proprietary 240W and 300W solutions for fast-charging phones have been available, 240W USB-C laptops have not been seen at CES and Computex. This new MSI Creator Prestige can go up to 140W, but it is a year and a half after Apple already did so.
Framework is pushing the boundaries of USB-C PD technology with its upcoming Framework Laptop 16. It comes with a 180W USB-C PD 3.1 charger, which is twice the size of its 60W power adapter but provides three times the juice, making it the first of its kind. Framework expects third-party brands to launch 240W USB PD chargers soon. The company is also bringing back snap-on removable extended batteries, modular keyboard deck parts, and detachable GPU modules. Other PC makers may follow suit.
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