PD/fast-charge protocol ICs implement USB PD and vendor-specific fast-charge protocol negotiation for voltage/current handshaking, used in chargers, power banks and fast-charge adapters. With device brands and standards running in parallel (PD, QC, UFCS and others), the protocol IC's job is to recognize what a connected device is asking for and output the matching voltage/current combination — it directly sets a charger's compatibility range and real-world charging speed.
Reading the Key Parameters
- Subtype: The catalog covers PD single-port, PD multi-port, HVDCP (a USB Type-A-specific proprietary protocol), PD Source (protocol-only), and fully-integrated secondary-side protocol ICs. Protocol-only parts need an external power switch; more integrated parts combine protocol negotiation with power control, shrinking the BOM.
- Maximum output power (pmax_w): Catalog parts span 18~100W. The 18~36W tier mostly covers single-port chargers, 70W is the highest tier among multi-port parts, and 100W is found only on single-port (1C) parts — check power and port configuration together per part number.
- Port configuration: From single-port (1A/1C) to multi-port (A+C, C+C, 2C+1A and similar). Multi-port parts need extra power-allocation and port-priority logic, so match the target product's actual port layout.
- PDO / PD range: Fixed-voltage combinations such as FPDO 5~12/16V, 5~20/28V and 5~20/30V appear in the catalog — a wider range covers a broader voltage platform; check against the downstream device's actual voltage.
- QC3.0+ support: Multi-port and HVDCP parts mostly support it; single-port PD parts have no data recorded for this field; PD Source (protocol-only) parts are uniformly marked as supporting it — this determines compatibility with mainstream Android proprietary fast-charge protocols.
Three Steps to Select
- Narrow the subtype by target port count and configuration.
- Align the pmax_w tier with peak power need, and confirm the PDO range covers the target voltage platform.
- Check whether QC3.0+ compatibility is required, and whether protocol-only or integrated fits better.
Common Pitfalls
- Focusing only on the rated pmax_w figure while ignoring actual power allocation when a multi-port design shares output.
- Assuming a protocol IC automatically supports every proprietary fast-charge protocol without checking QC/UFCS item by item.
- Overlooking port-priority and dynamic power-allocation logic on multi-port parts, leading to a charging experience that doesn't match expectations.
To cross-compare parts by port configuration, output power, protocol support and other parameters, use our online selection tool, or contact us for part-selection support.