Translations:Kernel/Gentoo Kernel Configuration Guide/48/en

Most systems come with two of the above interface types: XHCI (USB 3.0) and EHCI (USB 2.0). To use USB devices, it is no longer necessary to select both options since XHCI is compatible with slower USB-controllers. Users can also enable EHCI to be "extra" safe; it does no harm if USB 2.0 controllers are unavailable.