NXP Unveils GreenChip for Compact, Energy-Efficient Mobile Charging

Used together, the GreenChip TEA1720A and TEA1705 are high-performance, low-power controllers for mobile device chargers up to 10W. The new ICs are the latest additions to the energy-saving GreenChip power IC portfolio, which as of this month has shipped its one-billionth device worldwide.

The new GreenChip solution introduces an innovative architecture that uses the secondary side (TEA1705) for load-step detection, generating wake-up interrupts to the primary side (TEA1720A) in burst mode. The TEA1720A is the primary sensing SMPS (switched mode power supply) controller driving an external bipolar transistor, while the TEA1705 functions as the secondary-side transient controller. Together, the TEA1720A and TEA1705 deliver a fast transient response (5V ±5%). This approach supports the use of smaller output capacitors – 2 x 270 µF or lower – which, combined with the high integration level of the overall GreenChip solution, reduces the PCB space required and enables chargers in a compact form factor of about 1 inch3. It also enables very low no-load power consumption of under 10 mW.

“As smartphone and tablet users, we all know that chargers need to be compact and that faster battery charging can make a world of difference when you’re constantly on the move. The GreenChip TEA1720A and TEA1705 deliver on this vision, while also minimizing power consumption when the charger is on standby,” said Marcel van Roosmalen, general manager, power solutions product line, NXP Semiconductors. “From a manufacturer’s point of view, we’re offering an elegant, highly integrated solution that reduces the number of external components required, for higher efficiency, higher power density, significant cost savings, and robust performance. With more than one billion GreenChip power ICs shipped today – and proven success in chargers, adapters and power supplies across a broad range of applications – this latest generation of GreenChip ICs for smartphones and media tablets is an important addition which should help to accelerate the next billionth milestone.”

The GreenChip TEA1720A and TEA1705 controllers are compliant to the USB battery charging specification, as well as ENERGY STAR 2.0 and new US Department of Energy efficiency standards going into effect in 2014. The TEA1720A includes integrated high-voltage (HV) start-up for fast start-up time (<200 ms) without external bleeder circuitry; primary sensing, which eliminates the need for an optocoupler; an integrated emitter switching device; and integrated protection features such as over-voltage protection (OVP) with auto-restart function, under-voltage lockout (UVLO) and clamp protection. Further, the solution offers significant savings using the external NPN transistor.

“In passing the one billion GreenChip power IC mark, NXP celebrates helping device manufacturers make a significant contribution to global energy conservation,” said Stéphane Curral, vice president and general manager, power and lighting solutions business line, NXP Semiconductors. “GreenChip enables smaller, cooler, more robust and more efficient devices – all factors that have contributed to its success. We will continue innovating to ensure GreenChip remains the cutting-edge solution for power and lighting applications.”
Availability

The GreenChip TEA1720A and TEA1705 are featured this week at the NXP booth (no. 401) at the Applied Power Electronics Conference (APEC) in Long Beach, California. Both products are sampling with lead customers are now, and are scheduled to go into mass production in Q2 2013. NXP will also be showing engineering samples of the TEA1836, which will be introduced in the second half of the year.