Hi. My SanDisk Extreme 900 1.9 TB external drive maintains only an intermittent connection with my new iPad Air M2. The drive is two SSDs in a RAID configuration, and therefore requires more power than a typical SSD. One SanDisk forum user suggested that it needs 2 Amps, or 10 Watts at 5 volts.
Can the iPad supply that? Thx.
To my knowledge, Apple does not quote the maximum power-output available from your iPad's USB-C port.
While your iPad Air M2 can supply significantly more power via its USB-C port than models that feature a Lightning port, accessories that require significant power should be connected to your iPad via a USB-C hub that has its own source of power...
There are many USB Hubs that have a USB-C connection for iPad plus a USB-C PD (Power Delivery) pass-through power connector to which you can connect a suitable USB-C Power Adapter or PowerBank - along with the hub itself incorporating a combination of additional USB-C ports, USB 2.0/3.1 Type-A ports, Ethernet LAN, HDMI, VGA, SD and microSD card-readers - in in some cases, a 3.5mm analog audio/headphone jack.
Perhaps consider Kingston, Anker, Hyperdrive and Satechi - although there are many others from which to choose. A Google Search for USB-C Hubs compatible with iPad will find a number of articles and recommendations.
While the hub and some connected accessories can be powered by the iPad itself, connecting an external USB PD power source provides a far more flexible power budget. Be aware the USB PD protocol negotiates a "power profile" - adjusting the bus voltage and charging current as appropriate between the Power Source, host, hub and connected accessories.
A suitable USB PD power source allows other devices to receive power while maintaining the iPad’s optimum 20-28W charging rate. For example, a USB multiport hub may typically require 10W power; connected USB devices (external storage, keyboard, mouse etc) also draw additional power from the source. If the connected load exceeds the available supply, the iPad may not charge - or may charge at a substantially slower rate. In extremis, both the iPad and Power Adapter will share the connected load - and the iPad may actually discharge its battery to make-up the shortfall in available power from a connected Power Adapter.
You should note that while Apple devices generally support USB PD, they do not support other charging standards - such as QC (Quick Charge).
To my knowledge, Apple does not quote the maximum power-output available from your iPad's USB-C port.
While your iPad Air M2 can supply significantly more power via its USB-C port than models that feature a Lightning port, accessories that require significant power should be connected to your iPad via a USB-C hub that has its own source of power...
There are many USB Hubs that have a USB-C connection for iPad plus a USB-C PD (Power Delivery) pass-through power connector to which you can connect a suitable USB-C Power Adapter or PowerBank - along with the hub itself incorporating a combination of additional USB-C ports, USB 2.0/3.1 Type-A ports, Ethernet LAN, HDMI, VGA, SD and microSD card-readers - in in some cases, a 3.5mm analog audio/headphone jack.
Perhaps consider Kingston, Anker, Hyperdrive and Satechi - although there are many others from which to choose. A Google Search for USB-C Hubs compatible with iPad will find a number of articles and recommendations.
While the hub and some connected accessories can be powered by the iPad itself, connecting an external USB PD power source provides a far more flexible power budget. Be aware the USB PD protocol negotiates a "power profile" - adjusting the bus voltage and charging current as appropriate between the Power Source, host, hub and connected accessories.
A suitable USB PD power source allows other devices to receive power while maintaining the iPad’s optimum 20-28W charging rate. For example, a USB multiport hub may typically require 10W power; connected USB devices (external storage, keyboard, mouse etc) also draw additional power from the source. If the connected load exceeds the available supply, the iPad may not charge - or may charge at a substantially slower rate. In extremis, both the iPad and Power Adapter will share the connected load - and the iPad may actually discharge its battery to make-up the shortfall in available power from a connected Power Adapter.
You should note that while Apple devices generally support USB PD, they do not support other charging standards - such as QC (Quick Charge).
Can iPad Air M2 USB port supply 2 amps to external device?
