Software/Firmware bug: laptop gets critically confused by plugged-in USB-C PD cable when powered off

[NightNord]

Laptop is plugged into  "usb c mini docking station" by Plugable, which has laptop charging capability up to 85W. When laptop is powered on and the dock cable is inserted, it doesn't charge. But once you power the laptop off - it starts to charge from the cable, even if there is AC adapter plugged in.

Now once you've turn your laptop on again - it disables PD sink on the port (apparently it's done by firmware for some reason), but fails to re-enable AC charging. Best case - you got no charging until you unplug both AC and USB-C and plug AC first, USB-C next. And if you forget about that little detail on every laptop poweron (including from hibernation) - you will lose battery charge, wearing it.

Worst case scenario - you'll get bios reset or your laptop won't post until you unplug everything.

Also note that UCSI controller is apparently improperly exported by the firmware, so OS is unable to control the power delivery from type-c as well, hence no charging even after OS boot - again, neither from AC, nor from USB-C.

I don't know why firmware seems to be disabling input power on USB-C - that seems to be completely useless, but if it does, it should at least do it consistently in powered on and off cases

This is clearly a firmware/bios bug that has potential of wearing or damaging the laptop, but I can't reach any actual support to report it

[TryToDoMybest]

Hello

is  the USB-C Mini Docking this product  1PM64AA#AC3 ? 

my experience with other HP computer os this.

Computer has is on Power supply. usually power supply provided with the computer has enought enrgy for the computer it self. so when you attach the USB-C Mini Docking ,  you need an extra power.

So if the power supply of your notebook is 45W , 45w are not enought to provide current for both notebook ,ad USB-C mini docking. you should have a PS of at least 65W. if you computer has 65W PS; probably you will need a 90W PS.

USB-C Mini Docking this product  1PM64AA#AC3 is the only docking station sold without a power supply, but you need a bigger power supply for your notebook to be able to charge the battery of the notebook via USB-C Mini dock.

bye

[NightNord]

It's "usb c mini docking station" by Plugable

It has external power supply and it does charge the laptop. The problem is that laptop gets confused on which source of power it has to use on boot up and basically throws up arms flailing them in air deciding to use none.

USB-C PD should work in both directions, but if for whatever reason it works only in one (from laptop to gadget), it should do so consistently and not suddenly decide that when laptop is off it's ok to take power from usb-c, but when it's on - not anymore

[TryToDoMybest]

Hello

noe is more clear.

I read on HP site that Envy X360 13-ar0005nl support PD 3.0 , so it can be charged via USB-C.

the It's "usb c mini docking station" by Plugable , has his own 100W Power Supply.

With this information , like you,  even me expect that the "usb c mini docking station" by Plugable should be able to charge the Envy via USB-C port.

I see tha tEnvy support "fast charge" , try to see in tha BIOS if there is a way to disable it. You never know that would change something.

Bye

[NightNord]

It does in fact support charging and charges from the dock. Just only when the laptop is turned off or hibernated. And the fact that it loses all charging capability on power up until you fiddle with cables is very annoying. Honestly it looks like this laptop have faulty usb-c

I have tried disabling and tweaking anything related to usb (including disabling USB charging at all)  in BIOS - which, note, isn't that much. It's basically just a couple nodes.

But honestly, it's a clear bug. And I would just like it to report it. Forums are cool and stuff, but I somehow doubt this news will ever get to any engineer and will get fixed. I can of course just go to repair center, but not in this world situation.