Driver FixRecommendedSound, Wi-Fi or graphics acting up? Check drivers firstFind missing or outdated drivers fast.Check DriversOctober DealsAmazon USOctober deal check: compare before you payAmazon US: current deals, useful picks and tech finds.Check DealsSlow PC?RecommendedPC slow today? Run a repair scan before it gets worseResolve common Windows issues and optimize system performance.Scan Now×
Skip to content
World desk3 min

What Is a Charging Downstream Port (CDP)?

A CDP is a BC 1.2 USB port that supports both data and charging. Here’s how it differs from standard and charging-only ports—and what its current rating means.
Special offer. See more information about Outbyte and uninstall instructions. Please review EULA and Privacy policy.

A Charging Downstream Port (CDP) is a USB Battery Charging 1.2 port that can charge a connected device while still supporting USB data communication. Under the BC 1.2 behavior described by Microchip, a portable device can draw up to 1.5 A from a CDP after identifying it through the charging-detection process. That is a standards capability, not a promise about every port marked “charging.”

What “Charging Downstream Port” means

CDP stands for Charging Downstream Port, a port type defined by the USB Battery Charging 1.2 (BC 1.2) framework. It combines two functions: a host or hub can exchange USB data with a connected device, and the port can provide BC 1.2 charging power. Microchip’s technical overview, last modified May 23, 2025, describes CDP charging up to 1.5 A after the device detects the port.

As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

The term is about BC 1.2 behavior, not the shape of a USB socket. A USB connector or a label such as “charging” does not by itself establish whether the port supports data, which charging standard it uses, or how much current it can supply.

Special offer. See more information about Outbyte and uninstall instructions. Please review EULA and Privacy policy.

How CDP differs from SDP and DCP

BC 1.2 distinguishes three port types. The central practical difference is whether data works, and how charging is provided:

#1 Best Overall
Anker Desktop Charger, 60W 6 Port USB Multiple Charging Hub
  • Join the Anker Family: Step into our expansive community of over 50 million members, all powered by our top-tier USB Charging Brand. With our products, you're not just buying a device, you're investing in reliable performance and enduring quality that offers remarkable value for your money.
  • Superior Charging Technology: Experience the potency of PowerIQ and VoltageBoost, engineered to deliver a swift charge of up to 2.4 amps per port or a cumulative 12 amps. Our design ensures efficient, rapid charging of multiple devices at once, without the worry of overcharging or overheating. Please be aware, Qualcomm Quick Charge is not supported.
  • Streamlined Power Supply: Our 6-port charging station dispenses 60 watts of power, facilitating simultaneous charging for multiple devices. This compact, travel-friendly gadget not only organizes your charging area but also minimizes the need for multiple chargers and outlets.
  • Enhanced Protection and Versatility: Designed with Anker's proprietary safety system and UL certification, this charger offers layered safeguards for you and your devices. Compatible with a wide range of USB-powered gear—including Android, Apple, laptops, and more—with support for 100 - 240V input for use worldwide.
  • Package Inclusions: Your purchase comes with the Anker PowerPort 6 (60W 6-Port USB Charging Hub), a 5ft / 150cm detachable power cord, an additional hook-and-loop strip, a welcome guide, and our 18-month warranty with responsive customer service. We are dedicated to exceeding your expectations and delivering products of exceptional quality that stand the test of time.
BC 1.2 port type USB data Charging behavior
Standard Downstream Port (SDP) Yes Standard host or hub port. Available current follows USB configuration and suspend rules.
Charging Downstream Port (CDP) Yes Supports BC 1.2 charging; a compliant portable device may draw up to 1.5 A after detection, as described by Microchip.
Dedicated Charging Port (DCP) No Charging-only BC 1.2 port. The cited USB-IF compliance procedure specifies a shunt of no more than 200 ohms between D+ and D−.

The port definitions and charging distinctions are explained in Microchip’s BC 1.2 overview; the DCP electrical criterion comes from the USB-IF Battery Charging compliance updates. An SDP is not automatically a fast-charging port: its charging current is governed by USB configuration, speed, and suspend state.

How a device recognizes a CDP

In BC 1.2, a portable device checks the D+ and D− data lines to identify the port. An SDP does not provide the BC 1.2 charging response. A DCP presents a charging signature by connecting D+ and D− through a low-resistance shunt, while a CDP responds to charging detection and keeps data communication available. Microchip explains this handshake in its technical overview.

Rank #2
Sale
320W USB C Charger Block, MGRNPONY 10-Port GaN USB C Charging Station Black
  • Multiport USB-C & A Charging Station: Boasting to charge up to 10 devices at once, this versatile charging block features 5 USB-C ports and 5 USB-A ports. The dedicated USB-C port powers newer electronics like laptops, while the legacy USB-A ports support older devices. Unlike most chargers with false advertising and outputs that slow down when multiple ports are used.
  • Super-Fast GaN III USB C Charger: Powered by IceShield 3.0 Gallium Nitride (GaN) technology, this usb c GaN charger offers enhanced protection with safeguards against overcharging, overheating, short circuits, overcurrent, and overvoltage. It continuously monitors temperature with over 3 million checks daily, providing reliable safety for your devices and peace of mind.
  • Super Fast Charging with Type-C & A Ports: Equipped with PD/PPS outputs of 65W, 30W and 20W, this type c charger fast charging can quickly charge a laptop, two phones or tablets, and up to seven other devices simultaneously. Compatible with MacBook Pro/Air, Dell XPS, iPad Pro, iPhone 16/16 Pro Max, iPhone 15 Pro Max, iPhone 14/13 Pro/12 Pro Max, iwatch, AirPods, Surface Pro, Galaxy S23 Ultra, Switch, Steam Deck, Google Pixel, and many more.
  • Well-Organized Desktop Charging Solution: Tired of messy cables and slow charging speeds? This 10-port charging station is the perfect solution to keep your desktop neat and organized. Powerful, efficient and compact, it’s designed for eliminating clutter while ensuring fast, reliable charging.
  • Compact & Travel-Friendly: This compact charging station is designed for on the go with lightweight feature. You can place it horizontally or vertically to save space. Just plug it into a regular outlet with our 5ft/1.5m power cord, and you won’t need multiple bulky chargers when traveling. Charge all your devices with one sleek, portable solution.

This detection mechanism also means a data-capable cable matters: Microchip notes that BC 1.2 charging mechanisms require D+ and D− to be present in the cable. A charge-only cable without those lines cannot support the described handshake and data communication.

What’s actually slowing this PC down?

Pick the symptom - the matching free tool is one click away.

Special offer. See more information about Outbyte and uninstall instructions. Please review EULA and Privacy policy.

What the BC 1.2 electrical figures do—and do not—tell you

Microchip describes up to 1.5 A as the maximum BC 1.2 current for portable-device behavior on CDP and DCP ports. The actual current depends on the port and connected device; the rating should not be inferred from a generic “charging” label.

Rank #3
Anker Desktop Charger, Fast Charging USB C Charger with 112W Max 6-Port
  • 6-in-1 Charger for All: Designed for modern needs, this charger can power your entire digital lineup, from laptops to smartphones, all at the same time. Note: 30W charging is limited to the USB-C1 port for MacBook Air.
  • Maximum Power, Minimum Time: Efficiently power your MacBook Air to 50% in just 1 hour 40 minutes or quickly boost your iPhone 16 Pro Max from 0 - 50% in 30 minutes with a single 30W max charging port.
  • 112W Multi-Device Charger: Equipped with 3 USB-C and 3 USB-A ports (112W total across 6 ports). Max output: Up to 30W via a single USB-C port and 18W via a single USB-A port. Powerful enough to charge multiple devices simultaneously.
  • Tidy Desk, Tidy Mind: Say goodbye to tangled wires and cluttered desks. Included with the charger is a silicone cable organizer, ensuring your workspace remains orderly and stress-free.
  • Compact and Lightweight: Measures just 3.0 × 3.2 × 1.3 in (77 × 82 × 33 mm) and weighs only 10.65 oz (302 g)—equivalent to 1.5× iPhone 14 Pro—for easy portability and minimal desk space.

In its published BC 1.2 test procedure, USB-IF specifies that a CDP maintain at least 4.75 V on VBUS under a 1.5 A load. The same procedure specifies a maximum 200-ohm shunt between D+ and D− for DCP behavior. These are details of the cited compliance procedure, not a complete do-it-yourself test recipe or a guarantee that an unverified port meets the criteria. See USB-IF’s Battery Charging compliance updates.

CDP is not USB Power Delivery

CDP is a BC 1.2 port category. USB Power Delivery (USB PD) is a separate power-negotiation specification, and USB-IF says it is designed to coexist with standard USB Battery Charging implementations. USB-IF describes USB PD 3.1 as capable of up to 240 W over a full-featured USB Type-C cable and connector; that figure applies to USB PD, not to a BC 1.2 CDP. See the USB-IF USB Charger (USB Power Delivery) page.

Rank #4
USB Fast Charger Block 50% Smaller 100W Max 6-Port GaN USB Charging Station
  • 6-in-1 Multi-Device Charging Station: Power up to 6 devices simultaneously with 3 USB-C PD 3.0 ports (20W max each) and 3 USB-A ports (18W max each). Ideal for decluttering your desk and charging smartphones, tablets, earbuds, and small electronics from a single outlet
  • High-Speed Power Delivery: Delivers up to 100W total output, allowing fast charging for your mobile devices. Charge your phone efficiently during busy workdays or before leaving home without waiting around
  • Compact & Travel-Ready Design: Measuring just 3.27 x 2.36 x 1.1 inches, this lightweight hub easily fits into your bag or pocket. The included 5ft detachable AC extension cord gives you the flexibility to reach wall outlets behind desks or nightstands
  • Universal Compatibility: Works seamlessly with iPhone 18/17/16/15/14/13 series, iPad Pro/Air/Mini, Samsung Galaxy S26/S25/S24/S23/S22/S21 series, AirPods, e-readers, portable fans, and more. (Note: Designed for mobile devices and accessories; not intended for laptops)
  • Advanced Safety Protection: Built-in intelligent circuit management guards against over-charging, over-heating, short circuits, and over-current, ensuring stable power delivery and long-term device battery health.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Support on Ko-Fi

How to interpret a port label or specification

When checking a computer, hub, charger, or device manual, look for the standard and the port’s stated capabilities rather than relying on the word “charging.” Check these separately:

Special offer. See more information about Outbyte and uninstall instructions. Please review EULA and Privacy policy.
  • Data: Does the port support USB data, or is it charging-only?
  • Charging standard: Does the specification identify BC 1.2 CDP, DCP, or another charging system such as USB PD?
  • Output: What voltage and current does the manufacturer specify for that particular port?

A port explicitly documented as BC 1.2 CDP supports data and BC 1.2 charging; the standard’s described portable-device ceiling is 1.5 A. A vague label or connector alone cannot confirm CDP behavior or predict a phone’s charging speed.

Best Value
Roruite USB C Charging Station 10 Port with 4 Cables,245W GaN Charger Block
  • 10 PORT CHARGING STATION:10 in 1 Charging blocks with1xUSB-C PD 3.0 port(65W max),5x USB-C PD 3.0 port (20W max), 4 x USB-A port(20W max), this charger supports a maximum output of 245 watt in total. No need to wait, it can charge your laptop,watch, earphone, mobile phone, fan and other 10 different devices at the same time.
  • UNIVERSAL COMPATIBILITY:USB-C port and USB-A port charger block for iPhone17 16 15 14 13 12 11 Pro Max Mini Plus/ XS Max/ XS/ X/ XR/ 8 Plus/ 8, iPad Pro Air Mini, AirPods Pro, Samsung Galaxy S23/S23+/S23 Ultra/ S22/ S22+/ S22 Ultra/ S21/S21+/S21 Ultra/ S21+ 5G, S20/ S20 Ultra/ S20+/ S20 FE, Note 10/ Note 10 5G, Note 20/ 20 Ultra 5G/ S10 5G, Galaxy Z Fold 3 5g, A90 5G, A80, A70, Book S, Tab S7/S7+/S8/S8+/S8 Ultra, and switch, fan, speaker, lamp, etc.Only the first port can support laptops.
  • FAST&SAFE CHARGING:Without sacrificing quality or safety, it is more compact but more powerful. Equipped with a powerful safety protection system, it can prevent over-charging, over-voltage, over-current, and over-heating to ensure the safety of your devices. Upgrade your charging experience today with our innovative Gan charger!
  • PORTABLE&EASY TO USE:It is sleek and lightweight for carrying, especially suitable for the family trip with multiple charging options. With a detachable 5ft long power cord, it is so convenient to store and charge with no limitation.
  • WHAT YOU GET: You will get 1* 10-in-1 charging block, 2*6.6ft C to C USB cable,2*3.3 ft C to C cable, 1* 5ft power cord, 1*User Manual.welcome guide, 24-month warranty, and our friendly customer service.

Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Special offer. See more information about Outbyte and uninstall instructions. Please review EULA and Privacy policy.

More from the Wire

  1. World desk4 min
    How to Spot an AI Voice Scam Before Sending MoneyDon’t rely on how a caller sounds. Pause, call back through a known number, and verify the emergency with another trusted person before sending money.
  2. Mountain View desk4 min
    Google’s SynthID Detector: How to Check AI-Generated Images, Video and AudioGoogle’s SynthID Detector looks for an embedded watermark in supported images, video and audio. Here is what its results do—and do not—show.
  3. Redmond desk20 min
    How to create a link to File or Folder in Windows 11Windows 11 gives you several ways to point to a file or folder without moving or duplicating it. You can create a desktop shortcut,…
Recommended PC Tool
Recommended PC Tool
Windows Errors? Fix Them Before They SpreadFree repair scan
Outdated Drivers Are Slowing You DownFree scan - exact matches

Two free Windows tools

One Free Minute Could Fix That PC

Before you go - each of these free tools takes about a minute and tackles what quietly slows a Windows PC down.

Special offer. View Outbyte info, uninstall instructions, EULA, and Privacy Policy.