What are PD + PPS?

The days of having to carry multiple chargers are over. USB Power Delivery is a fast charging specification available as part of the USB-C connector standard, and has been incorporated into a wide variety of devices including smartphones, tablets, laptops and more. This means the same charger could be used to charge all these different types of device.

Smart Charging

By talking to the device, a PD charger can determine how much power a device is able to receive, providing the optimal charge and no more, ensuring devices are safe from overheating. It even adjusts dynamically as the device charges, prolonging device battery health. This all happens automatically, with no input or management necessary.

Broad Compatibility

Most modern smartphones are PD-compatible, including iPhone 8 and newer, and Samsung Galaxy S8 and newer. Many tablets, laptops, handheld games consoles and more support it too. PD requires a USB-C to USB-C cable, or a USB-C to Lightning cable for Apple devices.

Introducing PPS

Programmable Power Supply is a new part of the USB Power Delivery 3.0 standard. It can monitor a device’s charging status and adjust the maximum voltage and current in real time, as quickly as every 10 seconds. The key advantage of PPS is that it reduces conversion loss while charging, leading to less heat being generated. By reducing heat, the overall life of the battery is prolonged and devices are capable of charging at even faster speeds than standard PD.

Both the device and charger must support PPS to enable these benefits. Many of the latest smartphones and laptops already include support, and more are coming.