DPS vs AVS: What’s the Difference Between the New Charging Protocols?
The world of fast charging continues to evolve. With the release of USB Power Delivery (PD) 3.2, two new technical terms have entered the scene — AVS (Adjustable Voltage Supply) and DPS (Direct Power Supply).
These protocols are reshaping how chargers deliver power to smartphones, laptops, and other USB-C devices. But what exactly do AVS and DPS mean, and how do they differ?
In this article, we’ll break down DPS vs AVS, explain how they fit into the fast-charging ecosystem, and what they mean for charger factories, OEM brands, and tech-savvy buyers.
⚙️ 1. What Is AVS (Adjustable Voltage Supply)?
AVS, or Adjustable Voltage Supply, is a feature in USB PD 3.2, allowing chargers to finely adjust voltage output in small 100mV increments.
That means instead of jumping between fixed voltages like 5V, 9V, 15V, or 20V, AVS lets your charger provide smoother, more precise voltage levels to match your device’s needs.
Key Benefits of AVS:
·More stable charging with less heat generation
·Improved charging efficiency and battery protection
·Enables higher wattage (up to 240W) with finer control
In short: AVS is a smarter, precision-based evolution of PD — ideal for modern devices like iPhone 17, MacBook Pro, and high-end laptops.
⚡ 2. What Is DPS (Direct Power Supply)?
DPS (Direct Power Supply) is another term defined in PD 3.2. It refers to direct, unregulated power output, typically used for high-power or industrial applications.
Unlike AVS, which dynamically adjusts voltage, DPS delivers raw power to the device or subsystem that has its own internal regulation circuit.
Key Features of DPS:
·Provides maximum efficiency for high-power systems
·Commonly used in power tools, docking stations, and large devices
·Requires the receiving device to handle voltage regulation internally
Essentially, DPS focuses on power delivery simplicity, while AVS focuses on precision and protection.
🔍 3. DPS vs AVS: Key Differences
AVS, or Adjustable Voltage Supply, is a feature in USB PD 3.2, allowing chargers to finely adjust voltage output in small 100mV increments.
That means instead of jumping between fixed voltages like 5V, 9V, 15V, or 20V, AVS lets your charger provide smoother, more precise voltage levels to match your device’s needs.
Key Benefits of AVS:
·More stable charging with less heat generation
·Improved charging efficiency and battery protection
·Enables higher wattage (up to 240W) with finer control
In short: AVS is a smarter, precision-based evolution of PD — ideal for modern devices like iPhone 17, MacBook Pro, and high-end laptops.
⚡ 2. What Is DPS (Direct Power Supply)?
DPS (Direct Power Supply) is another term defined in PD 3.2. It refers to direct, unregulated power output, typically used for high-power or industrial applications.
Unlike AVS, which dynamically adjusts voltage, DPS delivers raw power to the device or subsystem that has its own internal regulation circuit.
Key Features of DPS:
·Provides maximum efficiency for high-power systems
·Commonly used in power tools, docking stations, and large devices
·Requires the receiving device to handle voltage regulation internally
Essentially, DPS focuses on power delivery simplicity, while AVS focuses on precision and protection.
🔍 3. DPS vs AVS: Key Differences
| Feature | AVS (Adjustable Voltage Supply) | DPS (Direct Power Supply) |
| Voltage Control | Adjustable in 100mV Steps | Fixed, unregulated |
| Targer Devices | Phones, laptops, tablets | Power tools, docks, industrial devices |
| Efficiency | High (optimized per devices) | Maximum (no conversion loss) |
| Safety & Heat | Lower heat, safer charging | Depends on device's internal design |
| Compalexity | Smarter regulation | Simpler hardware |
| Compatibility | Part fo PD 3.2 (consumer electronics) | PD 3.2 optional extension (industrial) |
👉 In short:
·AVS = Smarter precision charging for consumer devices.
·DPS = Direct, high-power delivery for systems that regulate their own power.
💡 4. How AVS and DPS Relate to PD 3.2 & PPS
Both AVS and DPS are part of the USB PD 3.2 specification, expanding on what PPS (Programmable Power Supply) started in PD 3.0.
·PPS: Dynamic voltage and current control — mostly used in Android fast charging.
·AVS: Finer voltage tuning (100mV steps) for smoother performance.
·DPS: Raw direct power for high-load devices.
Together, they make USB PD more flexible, supporting everything from smartphones to 240W laptops and power tools.
·AVS = Smarter precision charging for consumer devices.
·DPS = Direct, high-power delivery for systems that regulate their own power.
💡 4. How AVS and DPS Relate to PD 3.2 & PPS
Both AVS and DPS are part of the USB PD 3.2 specification, expanding on what PPS (Programmable Power Supply) started in PD 3.0.
·PPS: Dynamic voltage and current control — mostly used in Android fast charging.
·AVS: Finer voltage tuning (100mV steps) for smoother performance.
·DPS: Raw direct power for high-load devices.
Together, they make USB PD more flexible, supporting everything from smartphones to 240W laptops and power tools.
🏭 5. What This Means for Charger Manufacturers & OEM Buyers
For charger factories, OEM brands, and B2B buyers, understanding AVS and DPS is key to future-proofing your products.
✅ Manufacturers:
·Design multi-protocol GaN chargers that support PD 3.2, AVS, PPS, and even DPS for industrial variants.
·Emphasize efficiency and thermal control in AVS designs.
·Offer certified power solutions (CE, RoHS, KC, FCC) for compliance.
✅ B2B Buyers:
·Choose PD 3.2 AVS chargers for consumer electronics (phones, tablets, laptops).
·Look for DPS-enabled models for high-wattage industrial applications.
·Partner with a trusted fast charger factory or OEM supplier for customization.
For charger factories, OEM brands, and B2B buyers, understanding AVS and DPS is key to future-proofing your products.
✅ Manufacturers:
·Design multi-protocol GaN chargers that support PD 3.2, AVS, PPS, and even DPS for industrial variants.
·Emphasize efficiency and thermal control in AVS designs.
·Offer certified power solutions (CE, RoHS, KC, FCC) for compliance.
✅ B2B Buyers:
·Choose PD 3.2 AVS chargers for consumer electronics (phones, tablets, laptops).
·Look for DPS-enabled models for high-wattage industrial applications.
·Partner with a trusted fast charger factory or OEM supplier for customization.
❓ FAQ: DPS vs AVS Charging Protocol
Q1: Which is faster, AVS or DPS?
They serve different purposes. AVS optimizes power for efficiency and safety, while DPS delivers maximum power directly to compatible systems.
Q2: Is AVS a private protocol like VOOC or HyperCharge?
No, AVS is an official USB-IF standard within PD 3.2, not a proprietary system.
Q3: Can a PD 3.0 charger support AVS or DPS?
No. You’ll need a PD 3.2-certified charger to use these advanced protocols.
Q4: What devices use AVS or DPS today?
·AVS: iPhone 17, MacBook Pro 2024/2025, high-end tablets.
·DPS: Power docks, displays, and certain USB-C external tools.
Q5: Should OEM Factories/Enterprise prepare for AVS or DPS?
Both. AVS is growing rapidly in consumer electronics, while DPS will dominate in industrial and multi-device power systems.
✅ Conclusion
The difference between DPS and AVS lies in control vs simplicity:
·AVS offers precision voltage adjustment for safe, efficient charging.
·DPS delivers direct power for high-load systems needing raw efficiency.
As USB PD 3.2 adoption expands, understanding both will help charger manufacturers and OEM buyers build next-generation fast chargers — from compact 45W models to powerful 240W desktop solutions.
Q1: Which is faster, AVS or DPS?
They serve different purposes. AVS optimizes power for efficiency and safety, while DPS delivers maximum power directly to compatible systems.
Q2: Is AVS a private protocol like VOOC or HyperCharge?
No, AVS is an official USB-IF standard within PD 3.2, not a proprietary system.
Q3: Can a PD 3.0 charger support AVS or DPS?
No. You’ll need a PD 3.2-certified charger to use these advanced protocols.
Q4: What devices use AVS or DPS today?
·AVS: iPhone 17, MacBook Pro 2024/2025, high-end tablets.
·DPS: Power docks, displays, and certain USB-C external tools.
Q5: Should OEM Factories/Enterprise prepare for AVS or DPS?
Both. AVS is growing rapidly in consumer electronics, while DPS will dominate in industrial and multi-device power systems.
✅ Conclusion
The difference between DPS and AVS lies in control vs simplicity:
·AVS offers precision voltage adjustment for safe, efficient charging.
·DPS delivers direct power for high-load systems needing raw efficiency.
As USB PD 3.2 adoption expands, understanding both will help charger manufacturers and OEM buyers build next-generation fast chargers — from compact 45W models to powerful 240W desktop solutions.