IEC 62684:2018

Overview

IEC 62684:2018 defines interoperability specifications for common external power supplies (EPS) intended for data-enabled mobile telephones. The standard focuses on the electrical and interface requirements that ensure a USB-based charger and its cable assembly reliably charge mobile phones using legacy USB technologies. Safety and EMC are excluded from this document and are addressed by other standards. IEC 62684:2018 is the second edition and contains technical revisions and updated references to USB interface standards.

Key topics and technical requirements

• Interoperability scope: Targets EPS implementations based on legacy USB (Micro‑USB) charging interfaces; it does not cover USB Type‑C or USB Power Delivery interfaces (see IEC 62680 and IEC 63002).
• Connector & cable requirements: EPS cable assemblies shall terminate in a compliant USB Micro‑B plug (or use a Micro‑B plus an adapter to a non‑Micro‑USB connector). Detachable cables must include a USB Standard‑A receptacle and meet USB‑IF test requirements.
• DC output characteristics:
  • Nominal output voltage at the connector: 5 V ± 0.25 V (measured from no-load to rated current).
  • Rated output current range: minimum 500 mA, maximum 1 500 mA.
  • Maximum allowable cable voltage drop: 125 mV at 500 mA (for detachable cables).
  • Output ripple: typically limited (document specifies measurement methods and a peak‑to‑peak limit of 80 mV under defined test conditions).
  • Common‑mode noise limits across frequency bands are specified to protect device operation.
• Environmental & input:
  • AC input range: typically 100 V–230 V, 50–60 Hz.
  • Operational environmental range defined for temperature and humidity (see standard for exact test limits).
• Protection & reliability: References to appropriate safety standards for protection functions; testing requirements and measurement methods are included (Clause 5 and test methods).

Applications and users

IEC 62684 is essential for:

• Charger and accessory manufacturers designing EPS and cable assemblies for legacy USB mobile phones.
• Mobile phone OEMs ensuring reliable compatibility with third‑party chargers.
• Test laboratories and conformity assessment bodies performing interoperability and electrical tests.
• Procurement, product managers and regulatory teams verifying charger interoperability and market acceptance.

Practical uses include product design validation, interoperability test plans, supplier specifications, and ensuring consistent user charging experience across devices.

Related standards

• IEC 60950‑1 / IEC 62368‑1 (safety)
• IEC 62680‑1‑1, IEC 62680‑2‑1, IEC 62680‑2‑2 (USB and USB Micro‑B specs)
• IEC 62680‑1‑2, IEC 62680‑1‑3, IEC 63002 (USB PD / Type‑C - not covered by IEC 62684)
• EN 301 489‑34 (EMC for EPS)

Keywords: IEC 62684:2018, EPS, external power supply, interoperability, USB Micro‑B, mobile phone charger, DC output, ripple, common mode noise, USB charging.