Expansion Cardslot compatibility - Not all Framework 16 ports are created equal ( lemmy.one )

Neat diagram that I hadn't seen before. I plan to keep this image saved so I can refer to it and make sure I am using adequate ports as I swap cards around.

https://knowledgebase.frame.work/en_us/expansion-card-slot-functionality-on-framework-laptop-16-rkUjGm7cn

morrowind ,
@morrowind@lemmy.ml avatar

One of the advantages of the Intel 13 in you don't have to worry about this

festus ,

The AMD Framework 13 has similar limitations with its 4 ports too.

LodeMike ,

It's very expensive to have all the features for every port.

monk ,
@monk@social.unboiled.info avatar

@LodeMike @SatyrSack not when it's the only port (cries in oversized phones)

DavidGarcia ,

I wonder what this "Higher Power Consumption" means and why that is. Higher than USB-4 or higher than other USB-A slots? I would except a USB-A slot to not use more power than a USB-4 slot.

lwe ,

If I remember correctly due the chip behind those two Usb-c ports the usb-a adapter in those two slots will consume more power than in the others.
Others might know more.

oo1 ,

is the usb A high power still limited to 5V?
This means it'd need high current ratings (and heat dissipation) to deliver higher power at that voltage.

compare to say usb-C that can negotiate up to something like 20V, if all links allow it.
this means your usb-c can offer higher power with lower current rated components..

For basic solidstate power supply doubling the V ratings from say 6V to 12V will likely be cheaper than doubling Amp ratings from say 3A to 6A.
but for sure in a laptop managing the heat will be a consideration.

Maybe theres a version of USBA that can use the data lines to negotiate power - in which case this would be non-standard.

They should just state peak and continuous V, A and W for each port, and also for the set of ports as a whole. maybe in different input/battery scenarios. I assume a third party, or home gamer could create their own plug in module to do whatver, but it'd be helpful for them to know the electrical ratings.

jo3shmoo ,

IIRC There's an issue with the retiming chips that retransmit the USB4 signals over to the A style and how they're able to interact with the rest of the system. It causes the chips to stay awake and waste energy. The same issue is present on the AMD 13 framework; something to do with the AMD USB4 implementation. The 3.2 ports don't have the same issue.

Basically the port will still work in that configuration but the battery life will suffer.

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