The International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) and USB Implementers Forum (USB-IF) recently announced that the IEC has formally adopted USB Type-C™, USB Power Delivery, and USB 3.1 specifications. The specifications define a truly single-cable solution for audio/video, data, and power delivery.
The USB-IF specifications were submitted to IEC Technical Committee (TC) 100, Audio, video and multimedia systems and equipment, and were approved for inclusion in the IEC 62680 series, Universal Serial Bus interfaces for data and power.
The standards are expected to enhance global action with a goal of reducing e-waste and improving re-usability of power supplies with a range of electronic devices. The IEC reports that its approach for ongoing standardization work in this space is driven by the ultimate goals of increasing external power supply re-usability, supporting consumer convenience, maintaining product reliability and safety, and providing for future technology innovations.
Widespread adoption of the resulting international standards will help to reduce the encroachment of poorly designed or manufactured aftermarket substitutes, which may affect the operation of electronic devices in compliance with regulatory requirements.
The IEC specification numbers are noted below:
"IEC is dedicated to promoting specifications that reduce e-waste and increase device interoperability," said Frans Vreeswijk, general secretary and CEO of the IEC. "The longstanding relationship between IEC and USB-IF is a testament to our goal of aligning with influential global organizations that benefit consumers and drive a thriving ecosystem."
The U.S.'s David Carlton Felland of the Society of Motion Picture and Television Engineers (SMPTE), an ANSI member and accredited standards developer, serves as a chairperson to IEC TC 100. ANSI member and accredited standards developer the Consumer Electronics Association (CEA) serves as the U.S. National Committee (USNC)-approved U.S. TAG Administrator to IEC TC 100.
To learn more about USB-IF and USB specifications, visit www.usb.org.