ALIENTEK USB Tester C2 User Manual

1. Introduction

The ALIENTEK USB Tester C2 is a versatile digital voltmeter and power detector designed for comprehensive testing of USB charging devices, cables, and power sources. It supports various fast charging protocols and offers detailed measurement capabilities, including voltage, current, power, capacity, and energy. Available in C2 Lite, C2 Std Bluetooth, and C2 Pro Bluetooth models, it caters to a wide range of testing needs for mobile phones, tablets, and power banks.

2. Package Contents

Please check the package contents upon receipt to ensure all items are present:

Image: Standard Package List. This image shows the C2 USB Tester, User Manual Card, Metal Tin Case, and Tempered Glass Screen Protector.

• ALIENTEK C2 USB Tester x1
• User Manual Card x1
• Metal Tin Case x1
• Tempered Glass Screen Protector x1

3. Device Layout

Familiarize yourself with the interfaces and buttons of the C2 USB Tester for optimal operation:

Image: User Manual - Device Layout. This image highlights the Type-C IN, Back button, Left/Up Key, Confirm button, Right/Down Key, Type-C OUT, and Type-C PC-USB in ports.

• Type-C IN: Input port for connecting to a power source (charger, power bank).
• Type-C OUT: Output port for connecting to the device under test (phone, tablet).
• Type-C PC-USB in: Port for connecting to a computer for software control and data logging.
• Back Button: Used to navigate back in menus or exit functions.
• Left / Up Key: Used for navigation and increasing values.
• Confirm Button: Used to select options or confirm actions.
• Right / Down Key: Used for navigation and decreasing values.

4. Setup

To begin using your ALIENTEK USB Tester C2:

1. Connect Power Source: Plug the Type-C IN port of the C2 Tester into your USB power source (e.g., wall charger, power bank, computer USB port).
2. Connect Device Under Test: Plug your device (e.g., smartphone, tablet) into the Type-C OUT port of the C2 Tester using a compatible USB-C cable.
3. Power Supply for Low Voltage Monitoring: If the monitoring voltage is below 3.6V, ensure the C2 Tester is connected to a PC USB port for additional power supply via the Type-C PC-USB in port.
4. The tester will power on automatically and display the main measurement interface.

5. Operating Instructions

5.1 Basic Measurement

The C2 Tester provides real-time display of essential charging parameters:

Image: Basic Measurement. This image shows the C2 Tester displaying voltage, current, power, D+ and D- voltages, C1 and C2 voltages, and temperature.

The main screen displays:

• Voltage (VBUS): Real-time voltage.
• Current (IBUS): Real-time current.
• Power (PWR): Real-time power consumption.
• Capacity (Ah): Accumulated charge capacity.
• Energy (Wh): Accumulated energy.
• Time: Elapsed measurement time.
• D+/D- Voltages: Data line voltages.
• C1/C2 Voltages: CC line voltages.
• Temperature: Device temperature.
• Current Fast Charging Protocol Type: Automatically detected protocol.

Note: Monitor mode requires the powered device to request protocols. Data obtained is for reference only.

5.2 Multi-Protocol Detection & Triggering

The C2 Tester supports a wide range of fast charging protocols for both automatic detection and manual triggering:

Image: Diversified Functions. This image illustrates the automatic detection and manual triggering capabilities for various fast charging protocols.

• Supported Protocols: QC2.0, QC3.0, QC4+, QC5.0, PD2.0, PD3.0, PD3.1, PD3.2, Huawei FCP, Huawei SCP, Samsung AFC, UFCS Integrated Fast Charging, OP-PO-VOOC/SVOOC, MTK-PE, VIVO VFCP, etc.
• Automatic Detection: One-click automatic detection of fast charging protocols and detailed parameters supported by the power supply device.
• Manual Triggering: Manually select the fast charging protocol and the corresponding trigger voltage to facilitate detailed testing of the power supply device's performance.

Warning: Automatic detection and manual triggering modes may trigger high voltage. Do not connect any electrical equipment; otherwise, we will not be responsible for any equipment damage caused!

5.3 Cable Detection

The C2 Tester can read chip information from cables, such as E-Marker/Thunderbolt 5, to understand their performance:

Image: Cable Detection. This image shows the tester displaying E-Marker Identify information like bandwidth (80 Gbps), power (250 W), USB version (USB3.2 Gen4, USB4 Gen3), voltage (50V), current (5A), and cable length.

5.4 Wire Resistance Measurement

Measure the internal resistance of power supply cables using the pressure difference method:

Image: Wire Resistance Measurement. This image shows the tester displaying cable resistance (e.g., 00103 mΩ) and reference values.

This feature helps in easily detecting the internal resistance of the cable, which can affect charging performance.

5.5 Ripple Measurement

Evaluate the ripple quality of the power supply voltage with a high sampling rate:

Image: Ripple Measurement. This image shows a waveform graph indicating the peak-to-peak value (Vp-p) of the voltage ripple.

The C2 Tester offers up to a 2M sampling rate, displaying the peak-to-peak value (Vp-p) to assist in assessing power supply stability.

5.6 Offline Data Logging

The C2 Tester can record data offline to estimate battery capacity and for later analysis:

Image: 2 Groups of Offline Data Logging. This image shows the tester displaying accumulated capacity and energy, with an example calculation for battery capacity.

It supports 2 groups of offline data logging, allowing you to record up to 10,000 points over 8 minutes to 99 hours. This data can be used to estimate the battery capacity of mobile phones, tablets, and power banks. For example, Capacity (Ah) = Energy (Wh) ÷ (3.7 V) × (0.8 - 1.0).

5.7 Apple Charger Code Reading

Verify the authenticity of Apple chargers by reading their Serial Number (SN) code:

Image: Apple Charger Code Reading. This image shows the tester displaying Apple Power Identify information including SN, FW, and HW versions.

5.8 PC Software Usage

Connect the C2 Tester to a computer via the PC USB interface for advanced control and data analysis:

Image: Powerful PC Upper Computer Software. This image shows the C2 Tester connected to a laptop, displaying the PC software interface with waveform viewing and data logging.

The PC software enables:

• Control of tester functions.
• Waveform viewing.
• Protocol triggering.
• Data recording (1kHz data acquisition).
• Firmware upgrading.

Note: USB PD Handshake Protocol Analysis is not supported by the C2 Lite model.

6. Specifications

Detailed specifications for the ALIENTEK USB Tester C2 models:

Image: Detailed Specifications. This table compares the features and measurement ranges of the C2 Lite, C2 Std, and C2 Pro models.

Note 1: When the monitoring voltage is below 3.6V, please connect to a PC USB port for power supply.
Note 2: The Bluetooth App will be released in the future. Currently, no App is available.

Image: Basic Specs. This image provides physical dimensions and screen details.

7. Troubleshooting

If you encounter issues with your ALIENTEK USB Tester C2, please refer to the following common problems and solutions:

• Tester not powering on: Ensure it is properly connected to a power source. If monitoring low voltage (below 3.6V), connect it to a PC USB port for power.
• Inaccurate readings: Ensure cables are securely connected. Try using different cables or power sources to isolate the issue. Calibrate the device if a calibration option is available in the menu (refer to on-screen menus).
• Fast charging protocols not detected: Verify that both the charger and the device under test support fast charging. Ensure the cables used are compatible with fast charging protocols.
• PC software not connecting: Ensure the C2 Tester is connected to the PC via the dedicated Type-C PC-USB in port. Install the latest PC software and drivers from the official ALIENTEK website.
• Bluetooth not working (C2 Std/Pro): The Bluetooth App is currently under development and will be released in the future. This feature is not yet available for use.

If the problem persists, please contact ALIENTEK customer support for further assistance.

8. User Tips

Based on common usage scenarios and feedback, here are some tips for getting the most out of your C2 USB Tester:

• Cable Quality Check: Regularly use the wire resistance measurement function to check your charging cables. High resistance cables can significantly slow down charging and reduce efficiency.
• Power Bank Testing: Utilize the offline data logging feature to accurately estimate the real capacity of your power banks over a full charge/discharge cycle.
• Fast Charger Verification: Use the multi-protocol detection and triggering to confirm if your chargers are delivering the advertised fast charging protocols and voltages to your devices.
• PC Software for Advanced Analysis: For in-depth analysis of charging behavior, especially for PD protocols, connect the tester to your PC and use the dedicated software for waveform viewing and detailed data recording.

9. Maintenance

To ensure the longevity and accurate performance of your ALIENTEK USB Tester C2:

• Cleaning: Use a soft, dry cloth to clean the device. Avoid using abrasive cleaners or solvents.
• Storage: Store the tester in its metal tin case in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight and extreme temperatures.
• Handling: Handle the device with care to prevent physical damage. Avoid dropping or subjecting it to strong impacts.
• Firmware Updates: Periodically check the official ALIENTEK website for firmware updates. Keeping the firmware updated can improve performance and add new features.

10. Warranty and Support

For warranty information, technical support, or any questions regarding your ALIENTEK USB Tester C2, please refer to the warranty card included in your package or contact the seller directly. Keep your proof of purchase for warranty claims.