Page 2 - A Closer Look - Hardware and Software
Since the AVerMedia Core Go GC313, at its core, is just a wall charger with extra features, its design is very straightforward. The shape is a rectangular prism with dimensions 66mm in length, 36.6mm in depth, and 62mm in height. Its size is quite compact and weighs 250g, which I would not consider light, but I would not consider it heavy either. I would say its physical properties definitely meet the design goal of this being a wall charger and docking station for traveling.
The plug on the AVerMedia Core Go GC313 is located at the bottom, and can be folded to prevent it from protruding when being carried around. It is a US standard plug, but AVerMedia has included adapters for both UK and EU standard plugs. It has universal AC power input of 100 to 240V and 50 to 60Hz, which means it will automatically adjust for the voltages and frequencies of the different places in the world. The adapters are fitted onto the plug in the folded position with a clip to secure it in place.
The Core Go is designed with many circuit protection features, including overvoltage protection, overcurrent protection, over power protection, over temperature protection, and short circuit protection. The names of each are self-explanatory, and describe their purpose.
One point of confusion could be the difference between overcurrent protection and short circuit protection. Both features aim to prevent damage from currents beyond the rated amount. However, short circuit protection requires a protects from instantaneous surge of current, while over current protection deals with current fluctuations near the rated amount.
The interfaces of the Core Go are located on the top. There are two USB Type-C, one HDMI, and one USB Type-A port. The Type-C labeled as "Host USB-C1" is version 3.2 Gen 1, while the one labeled "USB-C2" is version 2.0. By using the USB-C1 port, the wall charger can function as a dock for the host device connected to it. The HDMI port can be used to connect to a display, while the USB Type-A can be used to connect peripherals. The USB-C2 port is purely for charging purposes. All USB ports can be used to charge at the same time, but the USB Type-C max power output will vary. If a single Type-C device is connected, the max output will be 100W, but when two are connected, the max output of each is 45W. The Type-A port will always have a max output of 5W.
Despite being a compact device and charging at a respectable wattage, the Core Go only heats up to a temperature warm to the touch. This is due to the advantages of using GaN, or gallium nitride, transistors over a traditional silicon one. They have lower resistance, which reduces the amount of heat generated. They also have a higher thermal conductance, which allows them to dissipate the built-up heat more easily to the surroundings. Since gallium nitride transistors are more efficient, it allows more of them to be bundled together to create the high power density required for fast charging.
The charging protocol used by the Core Go is Power Delivery 3.0, or PD 3.0. This protocol allows the device being charged to communicate with the charger and request the amount of power received. The PD 3.0 standard is a more efficient version of the PD 2.0 standard. It also introduces the optional Programable Power Supply, or PPS, feature. PPS allows the charger to adjust the voltage in increments of 20mV rather than preset amounts, which results in more efficient and faster charging. Since AVerMedia did not advertise PPS anywhere, I will assume the Core Go does not support it. As for the HDMI, it is on version 2.0, which can support up to 4K resolution at 60 FPS.
AVerMedia has also added support for the Core Go on its Assist Central Pro software. Since the product is quite simple in what it does, the only purpose for the software is to update the GC313's firmware.
Page Index
1. Introduction, Packaging, Specifications
2. A Closer Look - Hardware and Software
3. Tests and Usage Experience
4. Conclusion
