All USB ports are capable of providing a 5-V output, making them a convenient power source for operating and charging portable devices. USB specification documents outline specific power requirements to ensure interoperability. In general, a USB 2.0 port host port is required to provide up to 500 mA; a USB 3.0 or USB 3.1 port is required to provide up to 900 mA; ports adhering to the USB Battery Charging 1.2 Specification provide up to 1500 mA; newer Type-C ports can provide up to 3000 mA. Though USB standards governing power requirements exist, some manufacturers of popular portable devices created their own proprietary mechanisms to extend allowed available current beyond the 1500-mA maximum per BC 1.2. While not officially part of the standards maintained by the USB-IF, these proprietary mechanisms are recognized and implemented by manufacturers of USB charging ports.

The TPS2586x-Q1 device supports four of the most-common USB-charging schemes found in popular hand-held media and cellular devices:

• USB Battery Charging Specification BC1.2 DCP mode
• Chinese Telecommunications Industry Standard YD/T 1591-2009
• Divider 3 mode
• 1.2-V mode