Introduction

Although the USB PD 3.1 specification set the 240W upper limit back in 2021, the ecosystem needed substantial time to mature and support mass production and certification. This includes the revision of EPR cable standards, the development of controller chips and third-generation wide bandgap semiconductors, thermal solutions, and EMC certification. Furthermore, downstream device compatibility and firmware support, along with manufacturers' risk assessments and market preparation, meant that it wasn't until late 2024 to early 2025 that we saw the first batch of mass-producible and commercially available single-port 240W PD 3.1 chargers.

Well-known 3C digital accessories brand UGREEN has recently launched its new Nexode 500W GaN desktop charger. Featuring the industry's first single-port 240W output and a total maximum power of 500W, this product left a strong impression on media and visitors during the recent CES 2025 exhibition.

We get our hands on the charger for testing and teardown. During the teardown, we noticed that the USB-C port used for the 240W single-port output was equipped with Richtek's latest protocol chip. Next, we’ll take you through an in-depth analysis of this charger and the design and performance of its protocol chip.

UGREEN 500W GaN Charger

The UGREEN 500W GaN Charger continues its classic design approach, crafted entirely from V-0 grade flame-retardant materials to ensure safety while enhancing heat dissipation efficiency. The chassis is coated with metallic paint and finished with a matte texture, delivering a subtle, premium look while effectively resisting fingerprint smudges. The silicone anti-slip pad on the bottom keeps the charger stable even on smooth surfaces, providing a better user experience for everyday use.

t features five USB-C ports and one USB-A port. Among them, the C1 port supports PD 3.1 with 48V 5A output, delivering up to 240W—sufficient to power high-performance laptops and mobile workstations. The other four USB-C ports each support up to 100W, while the USB-A port offers up to 20W.

The charger intelligently adjusts its output based on the connected devices’ power requirements. It can simultaneously charge up to five laptops, each with no less than 60W, ensuring stable and non-conflicting power delivery across multiple devices. When all six ports are under full load, the total output can reach 500W. Even with four or five ports in use simultaneously, it maintains close to the 500W output, fully meeting the fast-charging needs of various devices.

Richtek RT7209

After disassembly, it was found that the USB-C1 port uses the Richtek RT7209 protocol chip. This is a highly integrated and programmable USB Power Delivery (PD) controller that supports USB PD3.1 SPR and EPR 48V standards. It has passed USB-IF PD3.1 certification and operates within a wide voltage range from 3V to 55V. The chip integrates an MCU with 16kB of OTP-ROM and 2kB of SRAM, and features a built-in feedback compensation mechanism, which not only reduces the need for external components but also enhances transient response.

The RT7209 supports multiple fast charging protocols, including PD3.1, PPS, and UFCS, and also allows for customization of proprietary protocols based on specific customer needs. It incorporates a built-in shunt regulator, providing greater stability and reliability when delivering constant voltage or constant current output. Additionally, the integrated feedback compensation mechanism ensures overall system stability, and the programmable cable compensation feature allows users to precisely adjust for line loss, optimizing charging efficiency.

The RT7209 also features a VIN pin detection function, which monitors the input voltage status and makes corresponding control decisions to ensure stable device operation. The BLD pin enables rapid discharge of the output capacitor, helping to shorten the charging cycle and improve charging speed. Meanwhile, the USBP pin offers direct drive capability for an external blocking N-MOSFET, further enhancing system control and safety.

The RT7209 supports programmable protections including overcurrent protection (OCP), constant current protection (CC), and over-temperature protection (OTP). It also features adaptive output overvoltage protection (OVP) and output undervoltage protection (UVP). The recommended junction temperature range is −40°C to 125°C, with an operating ambient temperature range of −40°C to 105°C. It provides overvoltage protection for CC1, CC2, D+, and D− lines, as well as internal thermal protection. These features make it well-suited for use in charging adapters for a wide range of consumer electronics. The chip comes in a WQFN-28L 4x5 package.

Summary of ChargerLAB

The launch of the UGREEN Nexode 500W GaN Desktop Charger marks a new era in the charging industry—an era defined by high power and high density. The integration of the Richtek RT7209 protocol chip lays a scalable and replicable foundation for future fast-charging solutions that are smaller in size yet deliver higher power. With EPR cables and PD3.1-compatible devices becoming increasingly common, and with the maturity of GaN components and highly integrated control chips, manufacturers are now capable of delivering higher power outputs in smaller form factors. This development is set to significantly reshape the power supply landscape across both desktop and mobile scenarios.

From a market perspective, UGREEN’s pioneering mass production of a single-port 240W solution sets a strong example for other brands. It is anticipated that more mainstream accessory manufacturers will soon release similar products, accelerating the adoption of PD3.1 EPR and GaN fast-charging technologies, and helping to bring high-speed charging experiences to a broader range of users.