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Understanding PPS Fast Charging: What It Is and How It Works

Written by Jharwin Barrozo

Published - 3 min read

Illustration of a PPS chip symbolically powering three fast charging technologies—PPS, Power Delivery (PD), and Quick Charge (QC)—on a dark background.

Fast charging has come a long way—and one of the most advanced technologies in this space is Programmable Power Supply (PPS). If you’ve ever wondered why your device charges faster with some cables and adapters than others, PPS might be the answer.

Let’s break down what PPS fast charging is, how it compares to other standards like Power Delivery (PD) and Qualcomm® Quick Charge, and which chips are typically used in devices that support it.

🚀 What is PPS Fast Charging?

PPS (Programmable Power Supply) is an extension of the USB Power Delivery 3.0 (USB PD 3.0) standard, introduced by the USB Implementers Forum (USB-IF) in 2017.

What makes PPS unique? Unlike traditional fast charging that delivers a fixed voltage, PPS dynamically adjusts voltage and current based on what your device actually needs at any given moment. This real-time communication between your device and charger leads to:

  • Better energy efficiency
  • Lower heat generation
  • Extended battery lifespan

⚡ PPS vs PD vs Quick Charge: What's the Difference?

PPS (Programmable Power Supply)

  • Adjusts voltage in 20mV steps and current in 50mA steps
  • Reduces conversion losses and heat buildup
  • Great for high-efficiency, high-capacity devices (phones, tablets, laptops)

PD (Power Delivery)

  • Offers fixed voltage profiles (5V, 9V, 15V, and 20V, plus 28V, 36V, and 48V with PD 3.1 Extended Power Range)
  • Can deliver up to 240W of power
  • Supported by many USB-C smartphones, tablets, and laptops
  • Perfect for Apple®, Samsung®, Google® devices with USB-C

Quick Charge (QC)

  • Developed by Qualcomm®
  • Powers devices faster using higher voltages (QC 3.0, QC 4+, QC 5)
  • QC 3.0: Up to 80% in 35 minutes
  • QC 5: Up to 50% in 5 minutes (supports USB PD too!)

📱 Devices That Support PPS

PPS support is becoming more widespread in premium devices. Here are a few well-known examples:

  • Samsung Galaxy® S20 / S21 / S22 Series
  • Samsung Note® 10 / Note 20
  • Google Pixel® 6 and above
  • Select laptops (like newer Chromebooks)
  • USB PD-compatible power banks and wall chargers

🔌 Commonly Used Chips That Support PPS / PD / QC

Here are some widely used ICs (Integrated Circuits) that power these fast-charging protocols:

Chips for PPS & USB PD and Quick Charge

💡 Final Thoughts

PPS fast charging isn’t just about speed—it’s about smarter, more efficient charging. By dynamically negotiating voltage and current, PPS reduces heat, protects battery health, and delivers a better experience for power users.

If you're designing or sourcing power solutions for modern electronics, make sure your charger and cable support PPS. And if you're a developer, integrating chips like the STUSB4761 or TPS25750 can give your products that next-gen charging edge.

Want help selecting a chip for your power design or building your own PPS-compatible device? Let’s build it together.

About the author

Jharwin Barrozo

Electronics Engineer at Flux

Jharwin is an electronics engineer mainly focused on satellites. He built his own ground station using Flux to monitor RF activities on the International Space Station. Find him on Flux @jharwinbarrozo

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