Next-gen USB-C power adapters and chargers in integrated controller

As these standards and the USB Type-C standard continue to evolve, compliance and interoperability pose an ongoing challenge, but the programmable CCG3PA controller enables firmware upgradeability to keep up with changes and overcome interoperability issues.

The controller offers a high level of integration that minimises bill-of-material costs and simplifies designs, replacing multiple discrete components with a single-chip solution.

“As USB-C proliferates this year, the demand for USB-C power sources will increase, putting more pressure on our customers to bring their power adapters, mobile chargers, car chargers and power banks to market quickly, while keeping up with rapidly evolving USB standards,” said Ajay Srikrishna, Vice President of Cypress’ Wired Connectivity Business Unit. “Our highly-integrated EZ-PD CCG3PA controller is optimised to simplify the design of USB-C power source products, with support for the required charging standards, and the ability to upgrade firmware to keep pace with changes in standards.”

The EZ-PD CCG3PA controller is a one-chip solution that minimises bill-of-material costs for USB-C power source products by integrating error amplifiers for constant voltage, constant current and PPS applications, a 30V regulator that allows direct operation from VBUS, VBUS short protection on configuration channel (CC) pins, gate drivers for high-voltage power FETs, a low side current sense amplifier, and dedicated hardware for legacy charger detection protocols plus system level electrostatic discharge (ESD) protection. Programmable overvoltage and overcurrent circuitry protects systems against power overloads and other faulty operating conditions. The controller also integrates an ARM Cortex-M0 and 64KB Flash with read-while-write function for firmware upgradeability. The product enables design of efficient USB-C power adapters for a wide range of applications including mobile phones and PCs.

The EZ-PD CCG3PA controller is now sampling in 24-pin QFN (16 mm²) and 16-pin SOIC (60 mm²) packages. The controller will be in production in the third quarter of 2017. Designers can get started with the CY4532 CCG3PA evaluation kit, which is now available for $149.

Cypress provides CCG3PA solution reference designs for a 45-Watt notebook PC power adapter, a 27-Watt mobile phone charger, a 60-Watt car charger and a power bank.