What do the terms fast charge PPS, USB PD and QC mean?

Until today, fast charging feature is included in smart phones, headphones, tablets, laptops, even in vehicles. We have researched the fast charging concepts, which are mostly seen in portable devices, for you.

Fast charging terms

At least one portable device we use includes fast charging technology. There may be more than one depending on the situation. Although the term fast charging is used in general, the standard offered by each device is different. Many companies or platforms such as Qualcomm, USB Forum, Samsung, MediaTek, Oppo have developed fast charging technology. It is possible to see one or more of these standards in devices.

What is Quick Charge?

Quick Charge is the first thing that comes to mind when it comes to fast charging. Quick Charge, which Qualcomm has developed for years and can offer to affordable phones, is considered the most used fast charging brand.

The Quick Charge 3.0 version of the feature, which is offered according to the level of the phones, charges 80 percent of the battery in 35 minutes, while Quick Charge 5 can see the 50 percent level in 5 minutes. The QC brand has efficiency-oriented features such as instant transfer tracking and heating prevention.

What is USB-C PD?

USB-C PD technology, developed as an alternative by the USB Forum, can provide fast charging up to 100W for Apple and Android devices. In this way, it enables to charge laptop models as well as mobile devices. It also has efficiency-oriented features such as voltage stabilization and heat tracking. Currently, the USB-C PD 3.0 standard is widely used.

What is PPS?

Programmable Power Supply (PPS), on the other hand, provides fast charging via USB Type-C connection. The technology, which dynamically adjusts the voltage and current, tries to give the maximum power depending on the state of the device. It also minimizes losses during charging and prevents overheating. It can perform dynamic optimization on the current every 10 seconds.

PPS technology stands out especially because it offers faster and more efficient charging. However, at least 25W charging adapters are required. There is no widespread adapter support yet. PPS support is available on models such as Galaxy S20, Galaxy Z Flip 3, Galaxy S22, Galaxy S20 Ultra. Programmable Power Supply (PPS) technology has been developed in a way that can be integrated into existing standards.

Quick Charge 4+ and USB-C PD 3.0 standards started to support PPS technology. In this way, a harmony between adapters and devices will be achieved. Its use will also increase. Mobile device manufacturers include one or more of these standards in their products according to cost.

Apart from the ones mentioned above, brand-specific fast charging technologies such as Samsung Adaptive Fast Charging, OnePlus Warp Charge, Oppo SuperVOOC, MediaTek PumpExpress continue to become widespread. We can say that especially Chinese companies compete on high Watt values.