Re:USB Type-C to Become More Secure with Authentication Stan...
by geofft on Thursday January 03, 2019 @09:26AM
(#18815274)
Negotiation, yes. But why authentication? Why do I care from whom the 20 V come as long as it is actually 20 V?
You can fry a regular AC-powered device by giving it 240 V power instead of 120 V, or 50 Hz instead of 60 Hz, or whatever. But we don't need authentication of power outlets. What makes USB different?
That 65W of power on USB-C is coming in at 20V most likely. Many devices simply will not tolerate that high of a voltage. This is why authentication and negotiation are absolutely essential.