What is the Difference Between PD and PPS?

The improvement of charging capabilities has led to quick charging times. The newest charging technologies are USB C Power Delivery and PPS. These newer technologies help charge your devices quicker.

This blog will discuss what each charging technology is and what the differences are. Hopefully this blog will inform you a little more about each charging technology.

Power Delivery

Power Delivery (PD) is a newer charging standard that allows for faster charging of USB-C devices. Power Delivery is popular because of its higher power versus standard USB 2.0 and USB 3.0. This allows them to charge multiple devices like phones and tablets while reducing the charging times.

Power Delivery works by detecting a device’s power needs and providing the correct amount of power. The communication between the device and PD charger allows for optimal power delivery preventing over- or undercharging.

Read our blog about USB Power Delivery to learn more about what Power Delivery.

Some of the key features of using PD include:

• High-Speed Charging
• Receive and deliver power simultaneously
• Dynamic voltage and electrical current adjustment
• Voltage levels ranging from 5V to 48V

Programmable Power Supply

Programmable Power Supply (PPS) is a recent charging feature that improves the charging efficiency of USB-C devices. PPS works to have precise control of voltage and current while charging.

PPS works with PD chargers to provide a more stable and consistent power output. PPS works in addition to Power Delivery 3.x products and can only work with PD 3.x charge systems.

PPS works well with Power Delivery chargers, as it allows devices to communicate and exchange data every 10 seconds. This creates more efficient charging and less power that is wasted.

By having more control over the voltage, PPS lowers heating issues which helps to extend the life of the device’s battery.

The charge speed is important when discussing PPS. PPS is helpful to use because it reduces power loss and maximizes compatibility. This is possible because the technology can adapt to the specific requirements of each device helping to create a safe and efficient charge.

While PPS is fast charging, it is not as popular on the market as Power Delivery. However, it is gaining popularity with higher-end smartphones and chargers.

Key Features of PPS include:

• Voltage adjustments from real-time communication
• Optimal charging speed for faster charging
• Reduces heat build-up leading to longer batter life

There are many differences between PD and PPS that are important to know. First, PPS is a part of USB PD 3.0 and above. This means that you need Power Delivery to use PPS. Other differences include:

• Changing voltage levels
• Chargers supporting them
• Maximum power

Changing Voltage Levels

One of the main differences between PD and PPS is the fixed-step voltage levels. Power Delivery can only change the voltage at fixed currents. This is a problem because it can prevent a device from receiving the optimal voltage.

With the introduction of PPS, adjusting voltage and current is done through minor increments which creates efficient charging. This helps the device to reach optimal voltage instead of reducing the voltage like Power Delivery does.

Chargers supporting them

Another difference is the different types of chargers that support these charging standards.

Power Delivery chargers need USB C to USB C cables to charge devices. The USB C connectors help the power delivery to handle higher power levels.

The connectors also help with transferring data. Having higher data transfer speeds allows the device to receive power quicker.

Power Delivery chargers are supported by a variety of devices including tablets, modern laptops, smartphones and other accessories. Major manufacturers create products that support PD across most markets.

PPS chargers only work with a limited charger selection for smartphones, tablets, and laptops. These devices must support USB PD 3.0 or USB PD 3.1. Unfortunately, they are not supported by Apple products and other manufacturers. Samsung Galaxy S25 and Google Pixel 9 and above models support PPS tech.

Maximum power

The maximum power that each charging method can handle also differs. Most PD chargers can power up to 240 watts. With a maximum power of 240 watts, small fans, lamps, and other devices can use PD technology.

PPS differs from Power Delivery because they only power up to 100 watts. Its smaller wattage means PPS supply power to smaller devices.

Yes, PPS can be a better option than PD. PPS is better than PD because the fast-charging cable can provide current switching in real time, helping the device charge faster while also being safe.

PPS also has the capability to lower conversion loss during charging. This helps reduce the possibility of overheating, allowing for better performance.

By reducing heat, your smartphone’s battery health will last longer. With a USB PD 3.0 PPS charger, you can still have fast-charging even if the device does not support PPS charging.

Using a PD charger is better because it is the universal standard for USB-C cables. It is more flexible than PPS and has become a top choice for many! You are also able to use the power delivery with many devices unlike the PPS.

The main difference between PD and PPS is that PD is a charging standard while PPS is an improvement to PD. While they are different, using PPS with PD helps create a faster charging experience and better control over the voltage.