Charge Compatible USB-C Mobile Devices with Raven-C and uRaven-C PoE Power Adapters
By: Adam Swimmer
3 Min Read
23 May, 2022
In a previous blog article, we looked at the USB-A Raven PoE Power adapters (Raven-A and uRaven-A). LAVA’s Raven Series can charge devices through Power over Ethernet (PoE). The adapters split the power and data signals provided over PoE and output them to different ports. While the USB-A models work as universal chargers for any lithium battery-powered device that charges over USB, there are also specific models for USB-C devices: the Raven-C and uRaven-C. Like with the USB-A versions, the Raven-C features two USB-C ports, while the uRaven-C features one.
The Raven-C and uRaven-C are also capable of Fast Charging. If the attached mobile devices have the same capability, the adapter can provide a charge of 9 volts at 1.1 amps. If one or both of the devices are not capable of Fast Charging, they will receive power at the standard 5 volts, 2 amps. For the Raven-C and uRaven-C to work properly, the mobile devices must have the USB-PD implemented. (See the list of compatible devices for the Raven-C here and the uRaven-C here.) If your mobile device does not appear in these compatibility lists, you can opt to use the USB-A models instead.
The Raven adapters also provide a separate Ethernet port for the wired network connection provided by PoE. The adapters are capable of 10/100 Fast Ethernet and provide a more reliable network connection than Wi-Fi. This Ethernet connection can be run to one of the connected devices if it has a LAN port or a separate device with Ethernet capability, such as a desktop PC.
The reason that the uRaven-C only features one USB-C port is because it also provides overcharge protection to the connected device through Continuously Active Battery Modulation (CABM). CABM indirectly monitors the device as it is charging. When the battery nears a full charge, CABM turns off charging and lets the device discharge for a preset number of hours. Modulating the charge this way ensures the battery never goes over 100% and maintains the battery’s health. Constant overcharging can lead to battery degradation and, in extreme cases, lead to battery bloating, which can cause severe damage to the battery. CABM ensures you get additional years of use out of your device.
PoE provides additional benefits. With PoE, the Raven adapter can be installed up to 328 ft (100 m) away from the PoE-capable network switch or injector. This allows greater options for placement. There is also a cost advantage as you don’t need to hire an electrician to install dedicated AC power lines. Also, if you’re using the Raven adapter in a commercial building, there’s a good chance it already has the infrastructure for Ethernet. If the lines are Ethernet but not PoE, a third-party PoE injector can easily upgrade the setup for compatibility with the Raven adapters.
The Raven-C and uRaven-C can charge and power up to two compatible USB-C mobile devices through PoE. The PoE Power Adapters split the PoE signal back up, sending the power signal to USB-C ports and the wired network connection to an Ethernet port. The Raven-C has two USB-C ports, while the uRaven-C has one USB-C port. The uRaven-C also features overcharge protection with CABM to extend the lifespan of the connected device’s battery.